Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Dealing With Nuisance And Depredating Black Bears, Gary W. Witmer, Donald G. Whittaker

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Black bears (Ursus americanus) are a valued resource in North America but pose many challenges to resource managers. They may be managed in 1 or more ways, including sustained yield harvests, nuisance animal control, or conservation management. Many black bear populations are stable or increasing, and combine with expanding human populations, increased development, and recreational activities, are leading to an increase in human-bear conflicts. Historically, methods such as relocation, general hunting seasons, or special hunts have been used in an effort to reduce bear density and damage, or to target individual offending animals. Many resource managers now operate …