The Role of Cognitions and Emotions in Human–Coyote Interactions

Abstract

In this article, emotional and cognitive variables were used to explain reactions to human–coyote interactions. Anticipated emotional dispositions were hypothesized to mediate the influence of general attitude and symbolic existence beliefs toward coyotes on acceptability of killing a coyote. Residents around Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Canada were mailed a questionnaire in 2011 (n = 556; response rate = 70%). Acceptability of killing a coyote was evaluated for three situations: (a) a coyote crossed the trail, (b) a coyote approached you, and (c) a snarling coyote approached you. In all three scenarios, symbolic existence beliefs and anticipated emotional dispositions directly influenced acceptability of lethal management. Emotional dispositions also mediated the relationship between attitudes and symbolic existence beliefs on lethal management in all scenarios except for scenario 3 (snarling coyote). Acceptability of lethal control was best explained by symbolic beliefs, followed by anticipated emotional disposition.