A Public Information Program on Predator Damage Control

A public information and education program was developed in Oregon to defuse a controversy between environmentalists and livestock growers over management of predator damage control. Emphasis was placed on involving special interest and leadership/influential groups in the program and participation was high. Attempts were made to involve the "general public" but response to solicitation and participation were low. Participating groups thought the program was of high value and expressed the need for additional information. Attitudes and beliefs of the special interest groups were changed little by the program, but constructive communications between the groups increased and the controversy dwindled. A 17 month survey of livestock losses to predation was conducted as part of the program. Loss rates of livestock to predation (3.9 percent of lambs, 1.6 percent of ewes, and 0.7 percent of calves) agreed with those of studies in surrounding states and provided another perspective for objective evaluation of the predator control controversy by participating groups. Often, controversies arise involving conflicting viewpoints regarding proper management of wildlife species. Controversies involving control of animal damage to man's crops and livestock usually are emotionally charged affairs between strongly polarized special interest groups. When the issue is control of predator damage to livestock, the controversy is often heated. Typically, groups concerned with conservation of species and environmental quality are pitted against groups advocating control of animal damages. The groups sometimes resort to hyperbole, emotionalism and political pressure in their lobbying efforts to win the support of decision makers affecting management of the controversial species. Objectivity may be replaced by subjectivity. Under these circumstances, responsible decisions for proper management of animal damages are difficult to make. A candidate method for neutralizing animal damage control controversies is an aggressive information and education program whereby concerned and influential publics are appraised of issues central to the controversy and of other relevant facts. The program should be presented by representatives of a recognized non-advocacy institution with emphasis on fostering mutual understanding and a spirit of compromise between opposing special interest groups. On a broader scale, education of other influential publics, including youth, civic leaders, educators and sportsmen may help promote better community understanding of and involvement in decisions for management of animal damage control. In 1975 the Oregon State Legislature supplied the impetus and financial support for such an education and information program. In response to the controversy surrounding management of predator damages in Oregon, the legislature appropriated $81,500 for a 2 year Predator Information and Education Program, to be conducted jointly by Oregon State University's Cooperative Extension Service and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. The development and delivery of the program, and the response it generated are presented to provide information useful to others in developing similar programs. PROGRAM GOAL AND OBJECTIVES The goal of the program was to increase the knowledge and objectivity of concerned publics so that they would demand and support rational, responsible management of damages by predators to livestock in Oregon. To achieve this goal, four objectives were identified: (1) provide a factual background on predators and predator control for all concerned citizens; (2) reduce the polarization and emotionalism that existed between stockmen and groups opposed to predator control; (3) document the magnitude of livestock losses caused by predators in Oregon; and (4) educate and inform County Extension agents, stockmen and others about integrated programs for controlling predation on livestock.