Attitudes of students enrolled in courses on wildlife damage control at two universities were surveyed at the beginning and end of the semester. Attitudes toward wildlife and acceptance of various damage control methods were quantified and compared to responses obtained from the general public in previous surveys. As a result of the class, both groups of students generally became more accepting of current vertebrate control practices, including toxicant use. Student attitudes, as a result of knowledge gained, came to be more realistic and practical. We believe that persons, when presented factual information about wildlife damage and its control, will develop beliefs that are more accurately in tune with the real world. With such information and attitudes, persons will be more supportive of the need to conduct wildlife damage control using today's methods and materials.