New Perspectives in Science Education

The North-Western region of Romania has a significant population of large carnivores —bear, wolf, and lynx. The presence of these species has led to the designation of protected natural areas aimed at conservation and have an important role as umbrella species. However, the increase in the number of carnivore populations in these areas has triggered a series of human-carnivore conflicts. These conflicts are usually followed by outcry from certain groups of the general population (e.g. farmers, hunters) and have the potential to lead to reactive measures. While these species are currently strictly protected, there have been a number of calls for the reintroduction of hunting quotas and harsher population control methods. Public attitudes are known to be predictive factors for conservation behaviours, and fostering favourable attitudes towards human-animal coexistence becomes imperative for any ecological education programme. The present study aimed to assess attitudinal patterns towards large carnivores and their management—leaning towards control vs. coexistence —among the young population, including students and pupils. The tool used for these evaluations was a 5-point Likert interval scale questionnaire. The results indicate, on one hand, the existence of theoretical clichés favourable to coexistence, paired with pragmatic beliefs about the necessity of strict control due to the perceived danger. The results can be seen as an initial exploration of the youth’s attitudes towards the management of large carnivores and underline the need for a revised ecological education.