Survey of wildlife attitudes conducted

Survey of Wildlife Attitudes Conducted

PIERRE, S.D. – More than half of Black Hills residents who answered a survey did not consider wildlife near their homes as a nuisance, while about one-third did.

Eighty-seven percent consider wildlife near their homes as enjoyable to have around.

The survey was conducted by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department and Colorado State University, asking respondents their views about nature and wildlife. It also gauged attitudes on specific wildlife species and their management in the Black Hills.

Nearly 46 percent of Black Hills residents believe that climate change is currently affecting the areas near their homes, and 38% feel that climate change is not affecting those areas.

The survey was answered by 4,544 Black Hills residents. Their opinions on these questions and many more can be found in a report called “Black Hills Residents’ Attitudes towards Place & Wildlife.”

A summary of the some of survey findings is available online at www.sdgfp.info/Publications/Index.htm

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