Wolves, bears, and lynxes have been at the center of heated debate in Europe for several years. They're widely discussed, but it's not always clear what most people think about them: are we willing to accept the presence of these animals? If so, in what numbers? And what management tools do we consider appropriate to potentially control their spread?
An interesting study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, entitled Europeans support large carnivore recovery while opposing both further population growth and hunting, tried to answer these questions by interviewing more than 10.800 people in 23 European Union countries where large carnivores are present.The survey was designed to represent both men and women, young and old, and urban and rural residents. Questions addressed the presence of wolves, bears, and lynxes; the future size of these species' populations; and hunting and potential targeted culling of individual animals that cause problems. Europeans want large carnivores, but not for wolves to increase
One result is clear: in all the countries surveyed, the percentage of those who accept wolves, bears, and lynxes is higher than those who oppose their presence. In short, the majority of people don't seem to want to return to the era when large carnivores were killed until they were eradicated.
However, when questions concern the size of future populations—that is, essentially, how many of these animals are tolerated—an important nuance emerges, especially regarding wolves. In most European countries, the widespread expectation is that wolf populations will remain more or less stable. Few are calling for significant increases, while in some countries, especially in Northern Europe, many believe that wolf numbers should decline, though not to the point of eradication.
For the lynx, things are different: in many countries, people would favor welcoming larger populations. For the bear, however, the issue of increasing numbers is more controversial, and opinions vary significantly from state to state.
No hunting and targeted interventions "only if necessary"
Another key aspect of the survey concerns hunting. When asked whether they favor or oppose hunting wolves, bears, and lynxes, in almost all European countries, the majority of people say they are against it. Overall, hunting as a standard management tool meets with little support.
However, when the demands become more specific and concern single problematic individuals—for example, a bear attacking a person or wolves preying on domestic livestock—some people are more willing to accept targeted culling or removal measures. This is especially true in Northern and Eastern European countries, while in Mediterranean countries, the majority remain reluctant to accept drastic measures that involve the killing of individual animals.
Overall, the message emerging from the survey is quite clear: European public opinion is largely opposed to the hunting of large carnivores, but recognizes that selective interventions targeting specific problem individuals may be necessary in certain specific situations.
Opinions on hunting large carnivores (favorable, contrary, neutral) – Extended Data Fig. 5, page. 11
Beyond the slogans: rural and urbanites aligned
One of the most interesting findings of the study is that the supposed divide between urban and rural areas, often evoked in public debate, is much less clear-cut than one might think. In several countries, residents of urban centers and rural areas have broadly similar opinions on the presence of large carnivores. In some states, the level of acceptance is slightly higher among citizens, but the differences are rarely significant.
Other factors, however, such as the age and gender of those interviewed, seem to matter more. On average, men are more in favor of hunting than women, while older people are more likely to call for a reduction in wolf numbers and to declare themselves less enthusiastic about their recovery. Even in this case, however, there are exceptions: in Greece and Sweden, for example, older people are more favorable than younger people to the presence of wolves.
Another striking finding is the lack of a clear position on the issue: a very large segment of the population declares itself neutral or unsure. In many countries, at least a third of respondents have no clear position, and in some cases this percentage is even higher. Furthermore, most people appear unwilling to actively advocate for their position, whatever it may be.
All this paints a picture of a majority that generally seems to accept the presence of wolves, bears, and lynxes, yet is neither well-informed nor has a firm stance on the issue, nor is it particularly eager to take action. In this context, it's clear how accurate information, based on solid scientific data and serious communication efforts, can make a difference.
Important results but…
From our point of view, this survey captures a particularly delicate situation.
Looking specifically at our country, the lack of updated and consistent data and the delay in promptly recognizing and managing the currently rare cases of truly problematic individuals risk negatively influencing public opinion, pushing more and more people toward intolerance.
In this historical moment, acceptance of the wolf's presence depends more than ever on the role of institutions. If the relevant authorities fail to take responsibility for seriously monitoring the species, intervening competently and promptly when abnormal behavior occurs, and communicating clearly with citizens, consensus toward the wolf's presence risks turning into hostility, as is already happening in some areas.
To avoid an uncontrolled rise in tensions, it is therefore necessary to reduce the risk of conflict through prevention, address critical cases promptly and transparently, listen to local communities, and disseminate best practices and basic knowledge about the functioning of ecosystems and the consequences of different management choices.
For our part, it is precisely on this fragile terrain that we move forward every day, knowing, however, that our commitment alone is not enough. For the situation to truly change, politicians must emerge from the inertia in which they have entrenched themselves for too long and fully assume their responsibilities. As an association committed to pursuing these goals for years, we will continue to do our part, working alongside communities and loudly calling for all necessary measures to ensure wolf conservation, now and for future European generations.
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Photo by Massimo Vettorazzi