Human–Black Bear Conflict in Urban Areas: An Integrated Approach to Management Response

Abstract

Human–black bear conflict is a persistent wildlife management problem in North America. Conflicts in urban areas are linked to continued growth and expansion of human populations as well as increased availability of anthropogenic attractants (e.g., garbage, birdfeed). Responding to urban bear conflicts can present difficult and highly publicized management decisions. This challenge highlights the need to understand the basis for resident behavior and perceptions in relation to human–black bear conflict situations. Randomly selected residents (n = 317) of two Colorado communities with frequent human–black bear conflicts responded to Internet and mail questionnaires measuring attitudes toward urban black bears and preferences for management actions. Fifty percent of respondents held positive attitudes, 15% expressed negative attitudes, and 35% were mixed. Attitudes and situational elements influenced the acceptability of commonly used management responses to human–bear conflict. Implications of this research include anticipating support for management actions and communication of management goals with the public.