Paving The Way Toward Peaceful Cohabitation

As humans increasingly shape the nature of ecosystems, negative interactions between people and wild animals have increased. In order for humans and wild animals to coexist, humans have to be willing to peacefully share landscapes with other species. This study examines attitudes towards European bison, moose, and grey wolves in Germany. Because of reintroduction programs, populations of all three species are reaching areas they last occupied hundreds of years ago — often prompting conflicts with humans. 

Most respondents had very positive feelings about European bison and moose, and less positive feelings about wolves. For example, most preferred that bison and moose populations increase, but not wolves. Three times as many respondents said that a wolf who repeatedly caused damage should be killed than a European bison or moose.

The study revealed that both species-specific and universal factors influenced attitudes toward wild animals. People over age sixty had a more negative reaction toward all three species. People from urban areas had more positive reactions than people from rural areas. People who knew more about an animal species had a more positive reaction to that species. People who had seen a European bison or a moose had more positive reactions to them. However, people who had negative experiences with a moose or a wolf had more negative reactions to them. 

The causes of people’s attitudes towards wild animals are complex. It is clear that educating people about wild animals can improve their attitudes towards the species and their tolerance of human-wild animal conflicts. However, animal advocates should also consider the many different factors that can affect someone’s viewpoints before engaging in an awareness or protection campaign.