Engaging urban residents in the appropriate actions to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts

• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.13074
• Publication Date: 2024-01-13T07:16:01Z
• Authors: Mahi Puri; Kaitlin O. Goode; Kristina L. Johan...; Elizabeth F. Pienaar
• Keywords: Human–wildlife conflict; Atlanta; Landscaping

Abstract Mitigating human–wildlife conflicts by altering human behaviors is critical to urban wildlife conservation. We investigated what actions residents are willing take mitigate in metropolitan Atlanta, one of the fastest growing metropolises United States (~6.1 million people, 21,690 km 2 ). In 2022, we administered online surveys 1006 Atlanta determine which measures they had adopted with wildlife, elicit their stated willingness adopt additional conflict mitigation measures, and identify determinants current or potential implementation measures. Respondents most frequently reported watching (63.0% respondents). The were raiding trash cans (14.8%) damaging landscaping (20.8%). total, 342 respondents (34.0%) not taken any action wildlife. who prevent often secured keeping indoors locking lid can (28.7%), kept pets (20.5%) pet food (20.3%) indoors, took out on morning collection (19.6%). that likely secure keep if considered these be necessary. Prior influenced both respondents' efforts conflicts. Risk sensitivity zoonotic pathogen transmission increased actual intended adoption Respondents' self‐efficacy, beliefs about age also Our results suggest education outreach need for should highlight importance effectiveness conserving while securing well‐being humans pets.