The rapid recovery of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) populations across Europe has increased both positive and negative interactions between humans and beavers. Therefore, public attitudes toward this species may strongly affect the effectiveness of its management and protection. This study investigated factors influencing local communities’ attitudes toward beavers in the Western Carpathians. A total of 360 structured interviews were conducted across three catchments that cover the original beaver release area from the 1980s and selected territories where the species subsequently appeared. Identified through an ordinal regression model, the most impactful factors included direct experience, knowledge, general beliefs about nature protection, financial situation, and location. The analyses of the type, frequency, and distribution of beaver damage reports provided additional perspective on the identified social and environmental issues. The lack of preparedness for wildlife dispersal reinforces discord between environmental protection and local communities’ concerns. Widespread education on ecosystem services and improved assistance to those affected by beaver-related conflicts are highly advisable.
Published in:
Wąs, J., D. Piróg, A. Solecki, E. Gorczyca, and M. Kijowska-Strugała. 2026. From announced newcomers to unexpected guests: attitudes of local communities toward reintroduced Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) across their expansion area in the Western Carpathians. Ecology and Society 31(2):16