Roughly translated by TWIN Observer
VÅLÅDALEN / TT
The wolf Conflict is not about the animal itself, but is a social conflict. Wolf Opponents are often upset with the administration and – as you see it – experts in cities that set conditions, says a Norwegian researcher.
Norwegian sociologist Ketil Skogen, associated with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, at the current wolf seminar in Vålådalen states:
“Few people hate the wolf, on the contrary, there is an admiration for it as an intelligent and skillful hunter. You admire it gladly – but anywhere in Russia or Canada,” says Ketil Skogen.
The American environmental sociologist Tom Heberlein, affiliated to the University of Wisconsin and also worked at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Umeå, also stressed the wolf was hated by few. On the contrary, a majority – 61 percent – of the Swedes appreciate the wolf. The pronounced negative is as few as eight percent, according to a survey made in 2001.
The remaining 31 percent are neutral – a proportion which in itself can be quickly reduced if some wolf-related incident should occur, or if the day is changed negatively because of the wolf.
“The focus on getting everyone to like wolf is the wrong way. People like wolves. We should put more effort into finding methods to identify and support people with fears of the wolf,” said Tom Heberlein.