Helping people face “unbearable” fear
People’s fear of bears can be reduced by raising awareness of where the animals live and how they move, new research says.
The bear is the most dangerous predator in Sweden, and fear of it is justified. However, according to Jens Frank, a researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, too much fear risks being counter-productive.
Radio Sweden spoke with him to find out exactly how afraid we should be, and what to do if we come across a bear in the wild.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Is climate change making the muskoxen sick on Victoria Island?, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Moose on the loose: Peak crash season approaches in Finland, Yle News
Iceland: Feature Interview – Hunting culture under stress in Arctic, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Grouse declines lead to strict hunting regulations in Arctic Norway, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Are wolves from illegal Russian kennel in Finland?, Yle News
Sweden: Bull on the loose spreads fear in northern Sweden, Radio Sweden
United States: Lack of sea ice has deep impact on wildlife and upcoming weather in Alaska, Alaska Dispatch News
