Encounter frequency with the urbanized San Joaquin kit fox correlates with public beliefs and attitudes toward the species

Abstract

A systematic public survey can prove vital to resource managers as a means of quantifying willingness to protect endangered species, helping to focus education, and evaluating the factors that influence public beliefs and attitudes. During the fall of 2003, we conducted a postal survey of 879 randomly selected citizens of Bakersfield, California to assess the factors related to beliefs and attitudes regarding a robust population of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica) living within city limits. Of 248 respondents, 89% indicated familiarity with the kit fox. Of these self-identified knowledgeable respondents, 86% had seen an urbanized fox at least once. Those who reported ... // 98% Remaining