Cultural impressions of the wolf, with specific reference to the man-eating wolf in England

An examination of attitudes towards the wolf, specifically the man-eating wolf in England. Recent studies by zoologists have claimed that the wolf does not fully merit the bad reputation afforded it by many individuals and groups. In particular it has been claimed that the wolf rarely, if ever, eats people. This contradicts legends, historical records and other accounts. This study examines the history of the wolf in England and the various sources which were available, and likely to have influenced impressions of the animal. Because the wolf has been extinct in England for approximately six hundred years it is likely that such impressions were and are formed by sources other than direct observation. The results of a questionnaire which ascertained the opinions of 187 people, mostly in England, about wolves are included.