Black Bear Task Force - Public Attitude Survey

Black Bear Task Force Report and Recommendations
To The Maryland Department of Natural Resources 
March 28, 2003

Public Attitude Survey 

The BBTF discussed the need for a survey of public attitudes on the black bear and black bear management. Surveys developed by Michigan State University and Cornell University were solicited, reviewed, and discussed at meetings of the task force. Considering an objective of the (1992) Maryland Black Bear Management Plan was to conduct a public opinion survey which has yet to be completed, the perceived need by other states (for example, New Jersey, New York, and Michigan) with bear/human conflicts similar to our own to assess public attitudes, and a review of the two surveys alluded to above, the BBTF has requested support (including adequate financial resources) from the Maryland DNR to conduct a carefully constructed, scientific survey of public attitudes on black bears in Maryland. (See Appendix F, Letter to Paul Peditto, Director DNR WHS from Tom Mathews, Chairman, BBTF). 

The results of future public attitude surveys should be considered in the final development of an updated Black Bear Management Plan for Maryland. 

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