Fear of large carnivores is increasing — bears and ticks are feared more than wolves
A study examined the attitudes of Finns to large carnivores. There is more fear of carnivores than before. Bears and ticks are feared more than wolves.
The wolf is a controversial carnivore. 35% of Finns estimate that encountering a wolf would frighten them a lot. Correspondingly, 44% of Finns are afraid of bears and 43% of ticks. A recent citizen survey asked adult Finns to assess their feelings regarding encountering different animals.
Coming across a large carnivore can also be an exciting experience. 19% of the respondents estimated that encountering a wolf could be both frightening and fascinating.
The fear of large carnivores has become more widespread and more intense over the last five years. Other animals, such as badgers, are also more feared than before. The wolf population estimate published in June reported that the wolf population is increasing. Although the overall size of the wolf population has not changed significantly over the previous five years, the population has strengthened in Western Finland.
‘Due to their big size and cultural significance, large carnivores arouse a wide range of emotions. Personal experiences and knowledge also have a role to play. Wolves can be perceived as strong, unpredictable and dangerous animals or having lost their fear of humans. People fear wolves especially if they feel that the situation is out of their control,’ says Jani Pellikka, senior scientists at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). ‘On the other hand, the fact that wolves mate for life and feel affection towards the members of their pack can be seen as features that are also appreciated as human virtues.’
Relative to population, a strong fear of large carnivores is more common in wolf territories. Wolves are also feared in areas where there are no inhabited territories. In absolute terms, fear of large carnivores is most common in agglomerations and outside wolf territories.
A belief in an unpredictable wolf frightens
People who consider wolves to be unpredictable fear coming across a wolf more than others. 67% of Finns believe that a wolf can lose its fear of humans if it has no reason to fear.
‘Although there is concern about the presence of wolves, people with children estimate the wolf to be a less significant safety threat to their children than, for example, road traffic, accidents or strangers,’ says Pellikka. ‘However, the wolf is perceived as a threat to dogs that are off-leash in forests, especially in areas of inhabited wolf territories.’
The LIFE project produces information and tools to alleviate fear
The wolf is a large carnivore, so caution is appropriate. Understanding how wolves behave and knowing the wolf territories in your area help to assess the risks associated with wolves. People can unknowingly attract a wolf in their garden, for example, by leaving food out. It is important to know where to get help and advice if you are concerned about a wolf moving nearby a residential area.
The LIFE BOREALWOLF project generates information and tools for the prevention of wolf losses in cooperation with livestock farms, people with hunting dogs, and other residents living in wolf territories.
This is how the survey was conducted: The survey was completed by 2,000 Finns living south of the reindeer husbandry area. The survey was commissioned by the LIFE BOREALWOLF project and carried out by Bilendi Oy among its online panellists in January–February 2020. The results of the 2020 survey were compared with the results of the 2014 and 2016 surveys.
Further information:
Jani Pellikka, Senior Scientist at the Natural Resources Institute Finland, jani.pellikka@luke.fi, +358 (0)29 532 7544
