Understanding suburbia's opposition to lethal control of wildlife

Background/Question/Methods

Since the publication of Peter Singer’s, Animal Liberation, wildlife managers have been under increasing scrutiny by individuals and groups opposed to the use of lethal control of wildlife. Ecologists, wildlife managers, and other scientists have been puzzled as to why the public would claim to support bio-diversity on the one hand, but simultaneously oppose management strategies to preserve or enhance that biodiversity.

Results/Conclusions

The dispute over the validity of lethal control for wildlife management is simply the result of the clash of world views. Scientists must understand that their view of humanity’s place in the ecosystem is often fundamentally different from the view of the various stakeholders claiming an interest in the management of nature. This presentation will highlight the philosophical, religious, sociological, and cultural influences that inform a suburbanite’s worldview regarding humanity’s role in the environment. In addition, it will provide some insights as well as tactics scientists should employ in their response to the animal rights ideology that informs suburbanite opposition to lethal techniques.