Rise of the Tourons: National Park Rangers' and Visitors' Perceptions of Deviance in the Parks

• In Event: Roundtable: Media and Perceptions of Crime

Abstract

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, there have been significant increases in the number of visitors to national parks and other public lands across the U.S., resulting in vehicular congestion and overcrowding. Social media outlets have also drawn attention to criminal and deviant acts committed by park visitors, including violating rules regarding wildlife, camping, and hiking. This project aims to examine the nature of these behaviors among a sample of National Park Rangers and a nationally representative sample of visitors to U.S. National Parks. We conducted surveys to explore respondents' knowledge of park rules, hiking etiquette, and their willingness to engage in deviant behavior. The results of this study have implications for developing policies and programs designed to reduce deviant behavior among visitors.

Authors

• Lynne Vieraitis, University of Texas at Dallas

• Stephanie Michelle Cardwell, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Will Moreto, University of Central Florida