Symbols, wolves and conflicts

Abstract

From an anthropological perspective, the wolf (Canis lupus) is considered an animal with multiple symbolic meanings. Every social sector uses particular symbolic meanings to express contrasting viewpoints, concerns and claims related to wolves and sharing the landscape with this species. Although distinctive particularities may exist in each specific context, common elements can be observed in social conflicts around the presence of wolves across its range. In this contention, each group tends to impose its vision of what our relationship with wolves should be. In this essay, we synthesized several symbolic meanings and social constructs around wolves. We argue that, under the current wolf debate, the complex symbolic burden of the animal must be acknowledged, in order to properly address social conflicts around the species. This requires promoting communication strategies that facilitate a change in the symbolism and meanings of the wolf.