Investigating or devising improved techniques and developing new strategies and options for landowners and local governments to use when dealing with nuisance wildlife problems is an important component of the Center’s mission. The bulk of recent research has tended to focus on methods to reduce the populations of problematic animals. In addition, current definitions of what constitutes a “nuisance” are subjective. Research that helps clarify perceptions of nuisance wildlife are a high priority. Therefore, research conducted at the Center will focus on the human dimensions of human- wildlife conflicts, and especially the concept of “cultural carrying capacity” of problematic species with the goal of understanding and addressing tolerance and public perceptions of wildlife. Topics in need of additional research include:
- Greater understanding of the public’s motivations, perceptions, tolerances, and resistance to change related to problem wildlife;
- Medical and behavioral aspects associated with wildlife transmitted or communicable disease;
- Contraception and sterilization as applied to free-roaming wildlife populations; and
- The effects of feral animals on resident wildlife populations.