Management of Large Mammalian Carnivores in North America

This technical review focuses on the management of large mammalian carnivores and their associated impacts on prey populations and public perception across North America. Management of large mammalian carnivores involves finding a balance between maintaining viable carnivore populations, safeguarding human welfare and property, and satisfying the needs of stakeholders in a cost-effective manner. Human expansion into carnivore habitat has been a major cause of increased conflict and mortality for predators. Societal attitudes towards these species are complex and variable. Those who suffer predator damage to property or loss of opportunity to hunt game species preyed upon by predators are more likely to support reductions than those who are little or unaffected by predators’ presence. Wildlife management agencies will continue to deal with this range of attitudes. Increased attention on large mammalian carnivores means that justification for management actions must depend on reliable information that is skillfully articulated to a concerned public.