Bears in conflict with humans face lethal control; non-lethal coexistence measures reduce conflict while protecting bear welfare.
Bears killed in conflict situations often suffer from gunshot wounds, trapping, or vehicle collisions. Hazing and aversive conditioning programs teach bears to avoid human areas without lethal harm. Securing food attractants including garbage, bird feeders, and livestock feed is the most effective prevention of human-bear conflict. Communities with active conflict prevention programs have significantly lower bear mortality rates.