Rebecca Gooley

CAF awarded a grant to Rebecca Gooley for her project, “Public Attitudes Toward the Belonging of Liminal Rodents.”

Liminal rodents (those living alongside humans in shared urban spaces) are overwhelmingly managed through lethal methods such as mechanical traps and chemical rodenticides, despite the availability of non-lethal alternatives. This project investigates the beliefs and cultural narratives that drive these practices, and how public perceptions of rodents shape their treatment and right to belong in shared spaces.

“Public Attitudes Toward the Belonging of Liminal Rodents” addresses a specific gap in existing literature: while studies have examined public perceptions of rodent welfare, little is known about the conditions under which humans accept rodents as legitimate members of shared spaces. This understanding is essential for shifting the dominant paradigm from eradication to coexistence. CAF’s grant will fund a peer-reviewed journal article and a publicly accessible summary for advocates and community partners.

Rebecca Gooley is a wildlife biologist who currently works at WISDOM Good Works. She holds a Ph.D. in Life and Environmental Science from the University of Sydney, Australia. Rebecca is pictured with Bella, an orphaned baby possum, who, says Rebecca, “was brought into the wildlife rescue where I volunteer. She often hangs out on my shoulder while I do various activities.”

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