Contextual Analysis of Interpretation Focused on Human-Black Bear Conflicts in Yosemite National Park

Abstract

This study examined how Yosemite National Park addresses the continuing problem of human-bear interactions with its interpretive communication services. A particular focus was on the food storage behavior of overnight users in Yosemite Valley. A theory-based questionnaire was used to elicit visitors salient beliefs pertinent to proper food storage behavior, and a message inventory was conducted to analyze message content that references human-bear conflicts. Following the theory of planned behavior, results reveal beliefs that may underpin future communication intervention strategies for human behavior modification related to proper food storage by Yosemite Valley overnight users. Implications are drawn for how the Yosemite interpretive services germane to human-bear conflicts might improve with guidance from contemporary communication theory.