Roughly translated by TWIN Observer
Currently we are working on a study of government efforts to intimidate assertive wolves and reduce the fear of wolves in those who live in the area. The research project is a collaboration between the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Lund and the survey will take place in 2013.
The goal of the project is as project manager and environmental psychologist Maria Johansson says is to find out if the methods are available and in use today will help those who feel anxiety and fear or not. Should the tax money used on this rather be on something else?
In early 2012 a descriptive study was published that Maria Johansson was involved in and implemented. The people speaking were in areas with large carnivores.
The study showed that the more large predators have been in their vicinity the more the fear of them. The fear of bears researchers believe can be alleviated by those who are concerned to learn more about bears, while the fear of wolves was based on a problem of lack of communication between the authorities and those who were affected.
“Efforts to reduce human fear of wolves ought to focus on building trust between the public and the managing authorities.” (Factors Governing Human Fear of Brown Bear and Wolf – Human Dimensions of Wildlife: An International Journal, p. 58)
A conclusion Maria Johansson could draw in the earlier research project was that the fear of wolves and bears do not have a connection with people who suffered from some kind of general affect.
When authorities and wildlife managers approach the public, they should be aware that subjectively experienced fear and distrust are not likely to be founded in trait anxiety. Consequently, fearful persons should not be dismissed as “generally anxious” individuals. (Factors Governing Human Fear of Brown Bear and Wolf – Human Dimensions of Wildlife: An International Journal, p. 71)
Now Maria Johansson and her research colleagues who wish to participate are looking at the new study that is based on data from the previous study on fear.