Fear towards wolves: utilizing attitudinal bias and fear learning models

Abstract

In light of recent recoveries and reintroductions of wolf populations in Europe, anti-wolf sentiments have been part of the discourse around this topic. Therefore, this paper reviews the negative attitudinal bias and fear acquisition models in developing a better understanding of how fear of wolves is shaped by such frameworks. We have identified three pathways of fear acquisition, consisting of (1) classical conditioning, (2) observational learning, and (3) verbal learning, the latter two of which comprise indirect fear acquisition. These function in complex and heterogeneous ways through phenomena such as intergenerational social learning, exposure to media reports of wolf attacks, and prevalent cultural tropes such as the Big Bad Wolf in children's tales. Relevant complicating factors were noted, with potential fear-strengthening constructs being controllability against threats, safety measures, and reinforcement through negative messaging. Though non-exhaustive, this review draws attention to the complexity of fear and fear-related mechanisms when facing a real-life situation such as the human-large carnivore conflict in the present day.