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Note: Session titles beginning with an asterisk (*) have student presenters.
AUTHORS: Diana M. Neal, Jessica Tegt, Bronson K. Strickland – Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University
ABSTRACT: There is currently no data on the public’s knowledge about wild hogs and their threat to native wildlife, agricultural and environmental impacts, and potential to transmit diseases in the state of Mississippi. This study assessed public awareness, knowledge of natural history, and attitudes toward wild hogs among Mississippi demographic groups using a mail survey method during the year 2014. The study population consisted of 5,000 random homeowners. Among respondents, 92.3% were aware of the presence of wild hogs, of which 39.7% had at least some knowledge of wild hog natural history. Respondent awareness and knowledge differed among place of residence and demographic variables. In general, respondents’ awareness and knowledge increased from urban areas to rural areas. Half of aware respondents had a negative general attitude towards wild hogs. Overall, respondents agreed that wild hogs represent a critical problem for natural resources, agriculture, and human and livestock health, and they expressed the need for wild hog control and to better enforced the restrictions on the transport of illegal wild hogs to other states and within Mississippi. This study identified a spatial deficiency of wild hog risk awareness, and therefore outreach education could target underserved demographic groups.
Wednesday November 1, 2017 9:00am - 9:20am EDT
Carroll Ford