Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for
Date of this Version
December 1983
Abstract
Most modern environmentalists during their formative years have had little actual contact with wildlife under natural conditions. Their wildlife philosophies have been developed via the mass media and from experiences with animals as pets or confined in zoos. In general, modern environmentalists are sincere, dedicated, idealistic and enthusiastic, but they often lack realism and are blessed with the innocence of naivete. The majority of people in the United States now exhibit strong affection for wild animals and are deeply concerned over any actions perceived as causing pain to individual animals. These attitudes towards wild animals will impact on future wildlife damage control programs. In order to preserve scientifically sound wildlife damage control programs, efforts must be increased in non-lethal control methodology. Also, solid unbiased evaluations of wildlife damage control programs must be conducted and the results of those evaluations disseminated to the general public.