Page:Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Study - Spring 2004.pdf/98

Joshua Tree NP VSP Visitor Study

Wildlife is one of the natural resources that Joshua Tree NP manages. Visitor groups were asked for their opinions with respect to several aspects of wildlife management in the park. First, visitor groups were asked if they observed wildlife approaching visitors and begging for food during this visit to Joshua Tree NP. As shown in Figure 125, most visitor groups (78%) did not observe wildlife approaching visitors and begging for food. However, 21% observed this incident and 2% was “not sure.”

Visitor groups were then asked, “Do you think it is appropriate to feed wild animals in a national park?” Most visitor groups (98%) answered “no,” 2% were “not sure,” and less than 1% said “yes,” as shown in Figure 126.

Finally, visitor groups were asked whether they received any information (written or verbal) regarding the policies of feeding wildlife in national parks during this visit. Fiftyseven percent of visitor groups received information regarding the policies of feeding wildlife, 30% did not receive, and 13% were “not sure” (see Figure 127).



Figure 125: Visitor groups who observed wildlife approaching visitors and begging for food