Exploring an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior to Motivate Intentions to Remove Anthropogenic Food Sources in Residential Areas

Anthropogenic food sources in residential areas, including unsecured trash, bird feeders, and fruit trees, can attract wildlife and increase negative human-wildlife interactions. While agencies recommend behaviors to reduce attractants, research on factors driving residents’ intention to comply remains limited. This study applies and extends the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by testing core constructs (attitude, perceived behavioral control, and social norms) alongside extension predictors (response efficacy, collective efficacy, and group orientation) to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for encouraging compliance. Survey data from a US residential sample (n = 349) showed that TPB and additional variables positively predicted intentions to remove anthropogenic food sources. The full model explained 70% of variance in intentions, with the extension variables contributing an additional 18% beyond the core TPB constructs. Attitude partially mediated the response efficacy-intention relationship. Findings suggest that an integrated approach fostering efficacy beliefs may promote residents’ compliance with wildlife-attractant guidelines.