Reducing Nonsport Losses Attributable to Food Conditioning: Human and Bear Behavior Modification in an Urban Environment

January 1, 1994

Reducing Nonsport Losses Attributable to Food Conditioning: Human and Bear Behavior Modification in an Urban Environment

Increased bear activity associated with food conditioning led to excessive nonsport kills in Juneau, Alaska. Improvements in garbage handling were sought through public education and enforcement of sanitation ordinances. Aversive conditioning, both physical and ingestional, were used to change bear behavior and reduce nonsport losses. Rubber bullets were used on 14 bears and an emetic (Thiobendazol) was added to garbage cans. All but 1 bear continued to forage in town. Garbage handling was improved, but current containment ordinances failed to functionally limit food availability to bears. Education improved public attitudes and understanding of the problem. Aversives may be useful in settings where single source anthropogenic food sources occur, but are of questionable value in urban locales.

Author(s) Thomas M. McCarthy and Roger J. Seavoy
Volume 9
Issue
Pages 75-84
Publication Date 1 January 1994
DOI 10.2307/3872686
File Size 419.92 KB
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