Subjective Experience of Fear and the Cognitive Interpretation of Large Carnivores

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 primarily linked to the perceived danger or harm that the animal represents and the perceived uncontrollability of the person's own response when encountering an animal. 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.