Title: Human relationships with wildlife in Vermont

Author: Glass, Ronald J.; More, Thomas A.; Zwick, Rodney

Year: 1995

Publication: In: Vander Stoep, Gail A., ed. Proceedings of the 1994 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 1994 April 10-12; Saratoga Springs, NY.: Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-198. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 47-50

Abstract: Although fish and wildlife are common property resources owned by the public as a whole, agencies charged with decision-making about them often respond to pressure from special interest groups. While we have substantial information about the characteristics and motivations of special interest group members, we have far less knowledge about the attitudes of the general public. This study reports the results of a November, 1993 survey of the general public in Vermont regarding their attitudes about wildlife. Results indicate that Vermonters as a whole are extremely interested in wildlife, and are generally supportive of hunting and fishing. Attitudes about individual animals are highly species specific. Vermonters see man and his development as a manifestation of the natural world, but are apprehensive about our ability to interfere with natural processes. Knowledge of the general public's attitudes may point the way towards resolving many natural resource conflicts.