Northern Rockies Survey On Management Of Wildlife

Public support for the management of grizzly bears and wolves in the Northern Rockies was greater in areas where the likelihood of conflicts with humans or property was also greatest. This is more true of private land than public spaces. Greater support was also noted for non-lethal means of intervention as opposed to lethal means.

About a fourth (23%) of respondents considered themselves wolf supporters, while 31% called themselves grizzly supporters; 94% of wolf supporters were also grizzly supporters, whereas 70% of grizzly supporters considered themselves wolf supporters.

Respondents preferred three sources of funding for wolf management including voluntary contributions (58%), federal funding (56%), and hunter and trapper fees (54%). Few people were willing to contribute time (4%) or funds (10%) to reduce risk of conflicts between people and grizzlies/wolves.

The most common sources of information about wolves and grizzlies include the news media, word of mouth, literature from associations, and state wildlife management or U.S. Fish and Wildlife service materials.