Year of Award
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Science (MS)
Degree Name
Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management
Department or School/College
W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conversation
Committee Chair
Elena Bigart
Commitee Members
Will Rice, Erin Semmens
Keywords
free-ranging cats, lethal management, national parks, Theory of Planned Behavior, educational materials
Subject Categories
Behavior and Ethology | Environmental Studies | Forest Management
Abstract
Free-ranging cats are one of the most invasive species in the world as well as a socially contested wildlife management challenge facing the National Park Service (NPS). Despite clear definitions, policy mandates, and scientific documentation of FRC impacts on native species, implementation of management remains inconsistent across park units. This study examines the psychological, social, and organizational factors that may shape NPS personnel behavioral intentioned toward FRC management through an expanded Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework. Risk perception and stewardship identity act as additional constructs in this expanded model, offering additional insights into NPS employees' understanding of role-specific expectations as related to FRC management. This study utilizes a two-phase qualitative design. Phase 1 consisted of semi-structured interviews with NPS personnel, as well as a discourse analysis of public-facing materials. The goal of this phase was to develop preliminary educational materials for internal use within NPS. Additionally, Phase 1 identified predominant themes that later informed thematic analysis. The discourse analysis identified stakeholder value frameworks as a structural feature of the public perspective NPS staff must navigate. This includes terminology, emotional appeals, and platform-specific bias which shapes how FRCs are framed. Phase 2 consisted of focus groups with participants from Phase 1 to refine and further develop evidence-based educational materials. Data across both phases and the discourse analysis revealed that while all three core TPB constructs influenced behavioral intentions, risk perception and agency factors followed. Park staff described significant professional and personal risks associated with supporting lethal management, which in many cases suppressed behavioral intentions even in those that held strong pro-management attitudes. Organizational barriers, including insufficient policy guidance, lack of peer support, and inadequate resources, further constrained perceived behavioral control. Findings suggest that inconsistent FRC management does not reflect a deficit in NPS employees' ecological knowledge, but rather inadequate support at both the agency and community level. Therefore, park management cannot adequately implement policies and procedures to raise awareness regarding the impact of FRCs.
Recommended Citation
Croot, Abigail, "When Cats Cross Park Boundaries" (2026). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12704.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12704
© Copyright 2026 Abigail Croot