Shifting attitudes toward brown bears in Bulgaria: A longitudinal and regional analysis

Longitudinal research on public attitudes toward large carnivores is
scarce, limiting our understanding of how human-wildlife coexistence
evolves. This study aimed to bridge this gap by replicating a 2012 survey
on attitudes toward brown bears (Ursus arctos) in four bear-populated
regions of Bulgaria. Shifts in attitudes were analysed between 2012 and
2022 using data from 200 participants, and the influence of
socio-demographic and regional variables was explored. Results revealed a
significant positive shift in public attitudes since 2012, and decreased
support for lethal control. However, persistent regional differences
remain, with the Rhodopes region exhibiting significantly higher negative
attitudes. The disparity is not explained by bear population density but
likely by a combination of factors including landscape characteristics
that increase human-bear interaction, the lack of protected nature areas,
higher levels of reported bear damage, perceived increase in
human-wildlife conflicts, and ongoing rural depopulation. A critical
finding is the mismatch between official monitoring data showing declining
bear populations and a widespread public perception of increasing
populations, a belief strongly correlated with negative attitudes.
Education and age were significant demographic predictors, with higher
education and younger age associated with more positive attitudes. The
results underscore the importance of continued longitudinal research to
capture evolving attitudes and beliefs, while also highlighting persistent
regional challenges that must be addressed to foster coexistence.