Subjective experience of fear and the cognitive interpretation of large carnivores

Sammanfattning

This study describes the psychological characteristics of fear of brown bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis lupus) using the Cognitive Vulnerability Model. Data were obtained from a survey of 154 stakeholders. Subjective experience of fear was pri- marily linked to the perceived danger or harm that the animal represents and the perceived uncontrollability of the person’s own response when encountering an ani- mal. Feelings of disgust and perceived unpredictability of the animals’ movements were of less importance. To reduce fear of brown bear and wolf it might therefore be more effective to enable people to learn more about their own reactions rather than learning more about wolf or bear behavior. Stakeholders varied in terms of which perceptions were more strongly linked to the fear. In efficient management of large carnivores, the consequences for the cognitive vulnerability in different stakeholder groups should be considered.

Nyckelord

Cognitive Vulnerability Model; large carnivores; subjective experience of fear; wildlife management

Publicerad i

Human Dimensions of Wildlife
2011, volym: 16, nummer: 1, sidor: 15-29

SLU författare

• Frank, Jens

  • Institutionen för ekologi, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Associerade SLU-program

Viltskadecenter

UKÄ forskningsämne

Ekologi

Publikationens identifierare

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2011.535240

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/52126