Hiker behavior and the outcome of interactions with grizzly bears

Abstract

Abstract Confrontations between hikers and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) have led to management strategies intended to allow people and grizzlies to coexist in national park settings. Although several attitude studies suggest that people support the continued presence of bears in parks, the success of management programs also requires knowledge of human and bear behavior in potential conflict situations. This study was based on hiker reports of encounters with grizzly bears in Glacier National Park. Variables measuring human behavior included level of trail use, size of hiker party, the presence of bear bells in the party, presence of horses, and people's behavioral reaction to sighting the bear. Results showed that bear bells reduced the likelihood of charges by bears, greater trail use reduced the chance of full charges, and the presence of horses and group size had no effect. The effect of people's reaction on bear behavior was unclear. Although tentative, these findings suggest that bears’ awareness of and habituation to human presence may reduce the likelihood of charges. This tentative conclusion contradicts the popular notion that human injuries can be reduced by maintaining or reinstilling the grizzly's “fear of humans.”