The number of brown bears (Ursus arctos) killed in defense of life or property (DLP) on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, has been of increasing concern for natural resource managers. During the 1960s, 8 bear deaths were recorded (<1 bear/yr). From 1990 through 1999, 50 bear deaths were recorded (average of 5 bears/yr). This increase concerns natural resource managers because they have very little control over kills resulting from DLP, and the brown bear population may not be maintained if this increasing trend in mortality continues. In an effort to provide information to managers needed to reduce DLP related kills of brown bears, we quantified the relationships among DLP kills, human activities, and landscape characteristics. Most brown bears were killed at residences or by hunters. Brown bears were killed at residences to protect property (i.e., depredation of domestic animals) or because they were perceived to be a threat to humans. Landscape models of the probability of DLP kills of brown bears provided insights to relationships and interactions among kill locations, landscape features, and human developments. As the density of salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) streams, trails, roads, and recreation sites increased, so did the probability of DLP kills of brown bears. Natural resource managers will be able to use this information to guide management of human use patterns and development activities on the Kenai Peninsula to minimize additional DLP kills of brown bears.
- Volume 13
- Issue
- Pages 237-245
- Publication Date 1 January 2002
- DOI
- File Size 924.70 KB
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