T. C. Hines

Selected Public's Reaction Following Harvest of American Alligators

People (N = 1,2(0) with first hand knowledge of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) were interviewed in October 1982 by questionnaire to determine observability and reaction following harvest on Newnanas Lake, Alachua County, Florida. Of 353 respondents, 60% enjoyed seeing alligators, and 52% attributed a decline in abundance to harvest. Most (76%) approved of harvest, but 20% believed it was part of the nuisance alligator program. No differences (P > 0.05) were detected concerning harvest approval when compared by age, sex, and user group. Males (P ≤ 0.01) and young «40...