Wildlife reintroduction is a valuable tool to conserve threatened and endangered species, and wildlife managers use science-based data to weigh the pros and cons before implementing actions. However, public attitudes are often overlooked or ignored as a critical preliminary step in planning a reintroduction. In California, the wolverine (Gulo gulo) has been extirpated from the State for more than a century and was recently listed as ‘threatened’ by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To better understand the human dimensions of wolverine reintroduction in California, we partnered with a polling firm to conduct a statewide public opinion survey. We utilized this poll to measure public support for wolverine reintroduction across California and to better understand the demographics of supportive and opposing stakeholders. We found initial support to be 53% but this increased to 70% when respondents were presented with facts about wolverines, arguments for and against reintroduction, and proposed management strategies. Education about wolverines increased support across a wide diversity of Californians, including those who traditionally oppose such measures. Our results suggest education and communication are important tools to mitigate public concern about wildlife reintroduction and it highlights the need for managers to incorporate this into their management strategies.

I joined IWS as a wildlife biologist in May 2024, where I have been working to support some of the organization’s long-term projects such as wolverine reintroduction to the Sierra Nevada mountains and analysis of the San Clemente Island Fox data. I have worked as a wildlife biologist since 2012 and completed my master’s in 2020, which has given me the opportunity to work with a variety of species. Most of my professional background has been focused on big game management, where I’ve developed a keen interest in ungulate ecology, wildlife health, novel monitoring techniques, and movement ecology.