Public Misunderstandings of Bats does not Preclude Positive Attitudes towards Bats in Missouri

Fifteen years have passed since the introduction of white-nose syndrome (WNS) in North America. The decline of several WNS-susceptible bat populations led to the development of bat educational efforts to increase public support for bat conservation. However, few studies reviewed the efficacy of these efforts concerning the public's understanding and perceptions of bats. This study addressed this shortcoming by assessing rural Missourian's attitudes and perceptions towards bats, WNS awareness, knowledge of bat natural history, and level of trust in a state conservation agency. This research's primary goal included informing state conservation agencies of the public's misperceptions of bats, which could help generate strategies for improving bat education. Respondents generally perceived bats positively, especially due to insect control. Despite the availability of educational resources to Missourians, we found numerous limitations in respondents' knowledge of WNS and bat ecology. Certain factors influenced public understanding, as the observance of gated caves best explained the respondents' knowledge of WNS, and respondents with higher education identified Missouri as a WNS-positive state. Lastly, respondents trusted the state conservation agency. Future bat conservation efforts in the Midwest should enhance educational initiatives in public messaging, boost signage at gated caves, and maintain trust in conservation agencies when making management decisions.