Table 2 Set of bioecological representations and attitudes of empathy and antipathy

Positive bioecological representations

It’s a useful animal

It is a completely harmless animal

It usually ignores humans

It usually runs away from humans

It is important for nature

Negative bioecological representations

It’s a dangerous animal

It’s a poisonous animal

It’s a fatal animal for humans

It tends to attack humans

Empathy attitudes

I like the animal

I like being close to this animal

I don’t care if the animal lives in my house/property

I agree that this animal is protected by law

Antipathy attitudes

I think the animal is ugly

I don’t go close to it

I don’t like the noise the animal makes

I’m afraid of the animal

Extreme antipathy attitudes

I can’t stand this animal

The animal gives me nightmares

The animal should be extinct

If there was a population of this animal in my yard or property I would take steps to eliminate it

I usually kill it when I find it or ask someone for help to kill it