Game and Furbearer Program Summary Report – 2025
Game and Furbearer Program Summary Report – 2025
Urban Black Bear Project Phase 2
Nine-banded Armadillo Range Expansion in North Carolina
DESCRIPTION: Research project conducted in partnership between NCWRC and North Carolina State University to eval- uate the effectiveness of a BearWise education campaign in Asheville, North Carolina. This before-after impact control study focused on assessing changes in public perceptions and behaviors toward black bears.
DESCRIPTION: The NCWRC has monitored observations of nine-banded arma- dillos over the past 18 years to help track range expansion and population estab- lishment in the state. The NCWRC actively seeks observations from the public to help with this effort, and to date, has reviewed over 1,560 reports (including con- firmed, credible, and unconfirmed observations) across 84 counties.
KEY RESULTS: • The treatment group showed less support and tolerance for bears, compared to the control group. This suggests that height- ened awareness, possibly due to the BearWise campaign, may have unintentionally increased sensitivity to bear presence or fear of negative encounters. • Pre-existing attitudes were strong predictors of post-campaign responses. For example, bird feeding behavior had a stronger influence on attitudes toward bears than actual bear interactions. • Attitudes toward coexistence with bears remained high; however, behavioral changes of residents due to the campaign were limited.
KEY RESULTS: Confirmed obser- vations have now been identified in 40 counties, and breeding popula- tions are likely established across 8 contiguous counties in southwest NC. An additional 18 counties have had credible reports, and 26 coun- ties have unconfirmed reports.
HOW IS THIS INFORMATION USED FOR REGULATIONS AND MANAGEMENT: The BearWise program is designed to educate res- idents, communities, and businesses about proactive measures that reduce attractants and prevent negative interactions to foster coexis- tence between humans and bears. Understanding the impact of this outreach program informs management efforts to mitigate human- bear interactions.
HOW IS THIS INFORMATION USED FOR REG- ULATIONS AND MANAGEMENT: Reports of armadillo sightings have increased significantly over the past 18 years, with over 300 observations recorded in each of the past 2 years alone. Monitor- ing the growing population allows us to identify spa- tiotemporal trends in their range expansion, antici- pate potential management concerns, and remain informed about this relatively new member of North Carolina’s wildlife community. For more information, please visit ncwildlife.gov/armadillo.
ASHLEY HOBBS/NCWRC
COLLETTE MARK
The Nine-banded Armadillo is a unique mammal, with its armor-like skin and long, scaly tail. They often travel slowly, in an erratic, wandering pattern as they forage, and sometimes can be heard grunting like a pig.
10
11
Made with FlippingBook Online document maker