DEPREDATION CLAIM BEHAVIOR AND TOLERANCE OF WILDLIFE IN WYOMING

Wyoming Game and Fish Department depredation payments were established to increase landowner tolerance toward, and this the supply of, certain types of wildlife. This study examined how socio-economic and demographic characteristics of farmers and ranchers in Wyoming relate to tolerance toward wildlife and depredation claim submission. The severity of depredation and landowner satisfaction with the depredation policy were evaluated. The financial stability and economic intent of farmers and ranchers significantly influenced tolerance toward wildlife. Landowners tended to be less tolerant of depredation ensuing from elk. The complexity of the submission process was a deterrent to damage claim submissions.