Abstract
Carnivore tolerance is a common management goal in a rapidly changing Intermountain West. In recent decades, Idaho and other states with historically rural populations now contain highly urbanized regions. Given known tolerance differences between rural and urban populations and increased urbanization, residents may self-identify as rural but reside in a Census-designated urban area. To explore differences between Census-designated and self-reported residency, a stratified random sample of Idaho residents was used to estimate mountain lion (Puma concolor) and gray wolf (Canis lupus) tolerance based on past wildlife experience, perceived carnivore risk, and emotional response. Regression analyses indicated statistically significant models; risk, experience, and negative emotions were significant predictors of tolerance with observed variation among objective and subjective residency segments. Findings suggest Census-designated and self-identified residency may be a consideration to effectively diagnose and manage human–carnivore interaction issues in states with shifting rural–urban demographics.