A press conference and media field trip organised by the University of Ljubljana brought together scientific research, public perceptions, and practical coexistence measures, highlighting the importance of evidence-based wolf conservation and public engagement.
On 30 September 2026, the University of Ljubljana, a partner of the LIFE WILD WOLF project, organised a press conference in Slovenia to present new insights into wolves and human–wolf coexistence.
The event featured preliminary findings from the project's public opinion survey (WP 5.1), alongside results from the long-term monitoring of Slovenia's wolf population. It was followed by a field trip in the Pivka area, offering journalists an opportunity to explore how coexistence with large carnivores is supported in practice.
Public Attitudes Towards Wolves: Acceptance and Fear Coexist
The preliminary findings from the LIFE WILD WOLF public opinion survey reveal a complex picture of how people in Slovenia perceive wolves.
While an overwhelming 93.9% of respondents believe that wolves belong in nature, a significant 67.9% report feeling afraid of walking in forests where wolves are present.
Interestingly, most respondents also recognise that wolves generally do not attack people, highlighting the difference between knowledge about wolf behaviour and personal feelings of safety.
Opinions on wolf management are equally nuanced:
40.3% of Slovenian respondents support regulated culling.
Only 20.8% believe there are too many wolves in the country.
These findings demonstrate that attitudes towards wolves cannot simply be divided into support or opposition. Instead, they reflect a combination of ecological awareness, personal experiences, concerns, and expectations regarding wildlife management.
Understanding these perceptions is essential for developing effective communication strategies and coexistence measures that respond to people's concerns while promoting science-based conservation.
Long-Term Wolf Monitoring Provides Valuable Scientific Evidence
The press conference also presented insights gained through more than a decade of systematic wolf monitoring in Slovenia.
Since 2010, intensive non-invasive genetic monitoring has enabled researchers to track changes in wolf population size and distribution, reconstruct family relationships, and better understand wolf pack dynamics.
Combined with other research methods, including GPS telemetry, these approaches provide valuable information about wolf ecology and population development.
Such long-term scientific data form an essential foundation for informed conservation decisions and effective wolf management.
From Research to Practice: A Media Field Trip in Pivka
Following the press conference, journalists were invited to participate in a field trip in the Pivka area, where they had the opportunity to see practical examples of coexistence with large carnivores.
The visit began at the DINA Pivka large carnivore visitor centre, where participants learned about the importance of public awareness, responsible behaviour in areas inhabited by large carnivores, and the Bear Friendly label, an initiative promoting coexistence-friendly practices.
The group then headed into the forest to identify signs of wildlife presence and discuss appropriate behaviour during encounters with large carnivores.
The field trip concluded with a visit to a local farm, where participants were introduced to practical livestock protection measures, including:
Multi-wire electric fences to protect livestock.
High electric netting to prevent large carnivore access.
Livestock guarding dogs as an additional preventive measure.
These demonstrations highlighted how effective prevention measures can help reduce conflicts between large carnivores and livestock farming.
Building Coexistence Through Science, Dialogue and Practical Solutions
By bringing together scientific findings, public opinion research, and practical experiences from the field, the event demonstrated that successful human–wolf coexistence requires more than understanding wolf ecology.
It also depends on listening to people's concerns, providing reliable information, strengthening public awareness, and supporting effective preventive measures.
Through activities such as this press conference and media field trip, LIFE WILD WOLF continues to promote informed dialogue and evidence-based approaches to wolf conservation across Europe.
A special thank you goes to the Bear Friendly ambassadors, who joined the field trip and generously shared their experiences and practical approaches to living alongside large carnivores.
