Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for

 

Date of this Version

10-1983

Citation

Proceedings Ninth Bird Control Seminar, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, October 4-6, 1983. Ed. William B. Jackson and Beth Jackson Dodd

Comments

Copyright © 1983 Bruce A. Colvin, Paul L. Hegdal and William B. Jackson

Abstract

In our efforts to investigate environmental concerns, such as vertebrate pests, we as scientists too often neglect or fail to recognize the importance and value of strong public relations. Most scientists would agree that public relations and public education are honorable components of research, but time is often a precious commodity to be utilized in resolving the ecological problem under investigation. Additionally, in many situations, due either to the personality of the researcher or public sensitivity to the problem area, many scientists shy away from public interaction. In the vertebrate pest field, we often deal with ecological problems that stem from social or economic situations. Since our research and pest control activities are strongly linked to man and his environment, it is exceptionally important that we know how to interact with people in order to achieve public understanding of how research is conducted, why certain control practices are implemented, and acceptance of pest management practices. Since much of our research and control activities are dependent upon information supplied by non·scientists, the efficiency and effectiveness of our efforts are enhanced by an ability to communicate. We must be able to ask the right questions, but we also must be able to provide correct and understandable answers.

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