Individual-based modelling of black bear (Ursus americanus) foraging in Whistler, BC: Reducing human-bear interactions

Abstract

Human-black bear interactions have a long standing history involving extermination of bears, damage to human property, and, in some cases, injury or loss of human life. Much work has been done in the field of bear management to reduce the number of human-black bear interactions, including aversive conditioning, relocation, resource management, etc. However, determining which strategies are most effective is challenging and costly in terms of both time and fiscal resources. We approached this problem using an individual-based modelling technique that allows for the examination of multiple different bear management strategies at minimal cost. We tested several different types of bear management strategies (BMS) and bear management spatial configurations (BMC) using the community of Whistler, BC as a case study. Our results indicate that the optimal BMC depends on the BMS used, however, all implementations of bear management resulted in a decrease in the number conflict bears. Models of this type could be used to guide future conservation efforts in similar communities seeking to reduce conflicts between humans and bears.