A recent study found Americans’ attitudes toward wildlife are shifting, raising questions for wildlife managers. ©Rachel+Micah

A half-century-long study on wildlife management has found that Americans increasingly value the rights of animals as traditional attitudes toward wildlife wane.

The finding could have major implications for wildlife management, including issues like predator control, endangered species restoration and dealing with human-wildlife conflicts.

The study, America’s Wildlife Values, compares “traditionalists,” who believe animals should be used to benefit humans through things like medical research and hunting, with “mutualists,” who put animals on a more equal footing with humans. The study was conducted by researchers from Colorado State University, Ohio State University, the University…