Abstract

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.

Keywords

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

Published in

Human Dimensions of Wildlife
2011, Volume: 16, number: 1, pages: 15-29

SLU Authors

• Frank, Jens

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

Wildlife Damage Centre


UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology


Publication identifier

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

Permanent link to this page (URI)

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