Attitudes toward a proposed reintroduction of Mexican gray wolves in Arizona

Abstract

Abstract A survey of telephone‐households was conducted in Greenlee County, Arizona, within and surrounding the potential reintroduction site for Mexican gray wolves. Interviews of 130 residents showed that 22% supported wolf reintroduction, 58% opposed reintroduction, and 20% of respondents were undecided. Concerns about livestock and hardships for ranchers were cited most often as reasons for opposing wolf reintroduction, with human safety concerns second. Over 50% of reintroduction supporters believe that Mexican wolves are integral to the ecosystem and belong in the wild, and more than 30% said wolves are native to the area and should be returned to Arizona. Of those who opposed wolf reintroduction, 48% said that wolf reintroduction would have no impact on their lifestyle or business, and 64% were not aware that wolves would be considered experimental‐nonessential, and would be removed or destroyed if they caused injury to humans or livestock. Keywords: ArizonaCants lupus baileyihuman attitudeMexican gray wolfreintroductionsurvey