Public perceptions of the hybridization of polar (Ursus maritimus) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis)

ABSTRACTDefinitions of “species” are complex and often contested in the scientific literature. Hybridization between species, a natural phenomenon exacerbated by climate change, can blur lines between species historically considered distinct by the public and existing management regimes. Perceptions and valuations about hybridized species may have significant implications for conservation of both hybrids and parent species. An internet survey of US residents (n = 500) recruited via Mechanical Turk was used to explore public understanding of species distinctions and hybridization in grizzly and polar bears. Participants ranked factors they would use for categorizing a hybrid bear and responded to qualitative and quantitative items about perceptions of both parent species and hybrid offspring. Findings suggested that perceptions and categorizations of hybrids differ from those of parent species and may be influenced by a number of personal and contextual factors, with potential consequences for future conse...