# Europeans support large carnivore recovery while opposing both further population growth and hunting

## TL;DR

A survey of 10,000 Europeans shows strong support for recovering large carnivores like wolves, but most oppose their population growth and hunting.

## Contribution

The study reveals a nuanced public attitude toward carnivore conservation, showing support for recovery but opposition to growth and hunting.

## Key findings

- Most respondents support carnivore recovery but oppose further population growth and hunting.
- Attitudes are consistent across urban and rural populations, with many expressing neutral views.
- Public opinion aligns with recent EU policy amendments regarding wolf management.

## Abstract

After centuries of persecution in Europe, large carnivores are now recovering. Whether this conservation success continues depends in part on public support. Here we show, using a survey of 10,000 respondents across European Union Member States, that while support for the recovery of wolves, bears and lynx remains strong, most respondents oppose both further population growth and hunting—particularly of wolves. Attitudes are remarkably consistent across rural and urban populations, and many respondents express no strong position, suggesting that large carnivores are less polarizing than often portrayed. The recent amendment to the Habitats Directive, which grants Member States greater flexibility to manage their wolf populations, appears broadly aligned with public opinion, as long as its implementation does not lead to population declines. However, the presence of views in tension—rejecting both population growth and hunting— may pose challenges for designing policies that are both science based and supported by the public.

A survey of 10,000 members of the public across European Union countries in which there are large carnivores finds strong support for carnivore recovery but simultaneous, and somewhat paradoxical, opposition to both population growth and hunting.