From 1989-2009, 1,430 bear management report forms collected at Brooks Camp, KNP (Katmai National Park), were placed in 1 of 9 categories representing bear-human interactions of concern. Using non-parametrical stati...From 1989-2009, 1,430 bear management report forms collected at Brooks Camp, KNP (Katmai National Park), were placed in 1 of 9 categories representing bear-human interactions of concern. Using non-parametrical statistics the categories identified dominance interactions, fish-related dominance interactions, food obtained, food-related incidents, fish stolen, property damage, and use of deterrents either decreasing or exhibiting no significant trends over time. Aggressive behavior by bears towards park staff in bear management situations increased. An elevated walkway and platform at Brooks Falls and an electric fence at the campground marked significant decrease in bear-human interactions in these areas. Changes in fishing regulations in 1998 marked significant decreases in number of fish stolen. Changes in minimum distance regulations in 2003 marked no change in number of dominance interactions or bluff charges. Efforts to facilitate visitor traffic in areas around the floating bridge have marked significant increases in number of bear-human interactions. Management and policy efforts have been successful in minimizing bear-human interactions. Habituation of bears to human activity has likely contributed to both minimizing general interactions and increased aggressive bear behavior towards management staff. This study provides examples of successful adaptive management tactics for bears and humans in a visitor oriented setting.展开更多
文摘From 1989-2009, 1,430 bear management report forms collected at Brooks Camp, KNP (Katmai National Park), were placed in 1 of 9 categories representing bear-human interactions of concern. Using non-parametrical statistics the categories identified dominance interactions, fish-related dominance interactions, food obtained, food-related incidents, fish stolen, property damage, and use of deterrents either decreasing or exhibiting no significant trends over time. Aggressive behavior by bears towards park staff in bear management situations increased. An elevated walkway and platform at Brooks Falls and an electric fence at the campground marked significant decrease in bear-human interactions in these areas. Changes in fishing regulations in 1998 marked significant decreases in number of fish stolen. Changes in minimum distance regulations in 2003 marked no change in number of dominance interactions or bluff charges. Efforts to facilitate visitor traffic in areas around the floating bridge have marked significant increases in number of bear-human interactions. Management and policy efforts have been successful in minimizing bear-human interactions. Habituation of bears to human activity has likely contributed to both minimizing general interactions and increased aggressive bear behavior towards management staff. This study provides examples of successful adaptive management tactics for bears and humans in a visitor oriented setting.