The resurgence of the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) in the north of Spain has triggered a controversial debate in which the delicate balance between environmental protection and rural livelihoods is being put to the test. The inclusion of the wolf on Spain's Special Protection List has heightened these concerns and sparked discussions about the impact of wolf attacks on livestock farming in the region.
Building on recent studies linking wolf attacks to shifts in political voting behavior in Germany, our study takes a broader perspective and examines the impact of these encounters on citizens' attitudes towards both environmental protection and the European Union. Using a difference-in-difference approach, we use local-level survey data to compare municipalities where wolf attacks occur with those where wolves are only a distant problem.
Our findings shed light on the intricate causal relationship between wildlife management and public perceptions and show how wolf attacks can undermine support for conservation efforts and European integration. By unraveling the complexities of wolf attacks and their impacts on rural communities, this project will provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges this issue can pose in the unique socio-ecological context of northern Spain. The results will contribute to the ongoing discourse on conservation measures and inform policymakers about the potential socio-political impacts of wolf attacks in rural areas.