Systematic Collection of Bear–human Interaction Information for Alaska's National Parks

Abstract

We present a database application designed to standardize the collection and entry of brown and black bear (Ursus arctos and U. americanus)-human interaction data, formalize data storage methods, and analyze patterns of bear-human interactions in Alaska's National Parks. The National Park Service Alaska Region Bear-Human Information Management System (BHIMS) facilitates the systematic collection of biologically relevant data, consolidates bear management information, helps identify management priorities, facilitates the development of science-based bear management plans, helps evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies, helps provide more effective bear safety messages, creates permanent digital copies of original data, establishes bear management institutional memory, and ultimately improves bear conservation and human safety. The BHIMS can be modified for use in other locales and has applicability to bear management across North America.