Wolves and eco-power - A French-Norwegian analysis of the narratives on the return of large carnivores

The reappearance of wolves has led to conflicts in many rural areas. This paper focuses on South-Eastern Norway and the French Alps, where the conflict patterns are similar. Diverging interpretations of the situation are supported by narratives that are shared to varying degrees among those who occupy different positions within what we might term the << wolf field >>). Among these narratives there are two varieties in both Norway and France that catch the eye and that appear to have become increasingly significant as elements in the discourse on wolf reappearance. Rumours about the secret reintroduction of wolves by the authorities are common among wolf adversaries. Another narrative, important to the pro-wolf camp, is based on the notion that local opposition to the wolf presence is unique to either Norway or France. Yet, while the reintroduction-conspiracy rumours are frequently ridiculed, the notions of unique national conflict patterns have achieved a status almost of official truth. We suggest that this difference of treatment can be analyzed as a manifestation of eco-power.