Communication interventions and fear of brown bears: Considerations of content and format

摘要: Communication interventions are commonly proposed as a way to address people's fear and negative attitudes build tolerance in shared landscapes between humans large carnivores. Therefore, managing authorities sometimes respond of brown bears (Ursus arctos) by organizing an information meeting. This study increases the understanding meeting encountering bears. Using mixed-method approach analyzes explicit meta-communication, i.e., verbal interactions coordinate communication presenter participants, effects on fear-related variables over time, how these compare with visit permanent bear exhibition, guided walk exposure their habitat two alternative interventions. Participation meetings contributed reduce self-reported effect lasted at least 6 months. The were, assessed immediately after participation, less efficient than participation walk, but more exhibition reducing fear. content format was line expectations meeting, e.g., dominated initiative still allowing for misconceptions misunderstandings be addressed solved. In development strategies carnivores, should pay attention details well trade-offs number people reached intervention strength among participants. (Less)