Many everyday decisions by people in urban areas influence wildlife management in urban environments. To date, wildlife conservation managers and facilitators have relied largely on anecdotal information in assessing the capacity of urban communities to contribute to the protection and conservation of wildlife in urban areas. Research conducted by New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2001-2002 investigated how urban residents in NSW relate to living with wildlife. The study revealed that the mainstream community is relatively unengaged with the principles that underpin wildlife conservation initiatives. The research findings can be used to design and evaluate new approaches to urban wildlife management, to engage a wider audience, and to support people to have more positive experiences of wildlife in their own backyard and neighbourhood.