The status of large carnivores in Europe varies widely depending on region and species. As diverse as the landscapes are that wolf, lynx, bear and wolverine return to, as divergent are the reactions of local communities living there.

A return evokes emotions ranging from fear to elation. Conflicts arise especially with stakeholders in traditional agriculture such as sheep herding, for whom it is vital to find practical solutions for coexistence.

The presence of large carnivores often invokes polarized discussions, even expanding the polarization to other underlying social challenges, and quickly escalating to highly political exchanges. An objective space for fact-grounded discussions is as needed, as the implementation of cost-effective and long-term management solutions.