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2012 Spring | Arts & Humanities, Education & Outreach, Natural Science & Restoration

Human-Wildlife Interactions and the Role of Education

Student(s):

Tory Johnson

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Partner(s):

  • Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Faculty advisor(s):

Dr. Aaron J. Wirsing, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington

This research explored differences of human attitudes and behavior towards wildlife according to animal species and human demographics. It focused on the San Juan Islands of Washington State, and specifically targeted the role of education in wildlife rehabilitation. The research aimed to find differences between attitude towards, and treatment of, marine and terrestrial wildlife, and to evaluate the differences between residents and visitors to the region. I found there were significant variances in how an individual’s background informed their knowledge of wildlife and thus their actions. I used these results to suggest specifications to education materials to increase their effectiveness.