U.S. National Park visitor perceptions and behavioral intentions towards actions to prevent white-nose syndrome.

ABSTRACT: In the United States, the discovery and spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS) has drastically changed how bats and caves are managed. The U.S. National Park Service has been instrumental in the national response to WNS, as it manages extensive cave resources and has a close relationship with the public. However, managers lack information on visitor support for disease prevention measures designed to slow the spread of WNS and minimize human disturbance of vulnerable bat populations. This study utilized the Theory of Planned Behavior to determine how visitor attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls influenced their behavior regarding WNS preventive actions, including participation in educational programming on bats, wearing clothes or shoes in caves that have not been co

SUBMITTER: Shapiro HG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9683549 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature