Wild Animals in neighbourhood nature– Obstacle or Aid to Recovery?

The researchers investigated how people in three different parts of Sweden perceive the possibility of encountering mammals in nature – both those that often evoke fear, such as wolves and wild boars, and those generally seen as harmless, such as squirrels and deer. Unsurprisingly, the results show that people associate squirrels and deer with positive emotions and recovery, while wolves and wild boars evoke negative emotions and a desire to avoid nature.

“Interestingly, it wasn’t the actual presence of animals in the area that mattered most, but rather how people believed they would experience an encounter with the animal. Perceived safety and fascination weighed more heavily than the actual risk or likelihood of an encounter,” says Terry Hartig, professor of environmental psychology at the Institute for Housing and Urban Research (IBF) and one of the researchers behind the study.

The study also indicates that vulnerability – for example, linked to past negative experiences or concerns about personal safety – can reduce the restorative effect that nature typically has. An encounter with an animal can thus either attract or deter, depending on the individual’s background and the species involved.

“The results are relevant for both wildlife management and health promotion efforts. By distinguishing between actual animal presence, the possibility of an encounter, and how such an encounter is perceived, we can better understand how people use nature – and why some avoid it. With greater insight into this, both conservation and public health initiatives can better support access to safe, restorative natural experiences. This research shows that animals in nature are not only a biological matter – they are also a psychological and social factor in people’s relationship to the landscape,” says Terry Hartig.