Beschreibung:
<p>We compared landowner attitudes toward American black bears (Ursus americanus) on White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas, with a high black bear population, to 4 public areas in Mississippi (Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge, Delta National Forest, Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge), with few or no bears, to determine if differences existed. Areas were similar in land use practices. We surveyed all 325 landowners that owned land adjacent to White River National Wildlife Refuge and public lands in the Mississippi Delta, with 58% responding. Demographic variables did not differ between areas (P > 0.05) nor did knowledge levels of individuals regarding black bears (P = 0.730). Respondents in Arkansas were less likely to support increasing the bear population (P = 0.027) and had experienced more bear damage (P < 0.001) than those in Mississippi. Respondents did not differ on how bear populations should be managed (hunting season: P = 0.215; relocate: P = 0.774; kill permits: P = 0.680; compensate landowner: P = 0.060; trapping: P = 0.937; bears should not be disturbed: P = 0.149). Arkansas respondents reported that bears cause more damage to corn (P = 0.0348), milo (P = 0.007), and wheat (P = 0.0364) than respondents from Mississippi. No differences (P > 0.05) existed between areas for 18 other crops. Educational programs are needed to improve the knowledge of respondents about black bear natural history and management. Additionally, hunting and translocation were considered by respondents to be the most favorable management options for these areas when surplus populations exist.</p>