American black bears increasingly encounter humans as development expands into their habitat. Conflict prevention strategies protect both human safety and bear welfare.
Human-bear conflict is a welfare crisis for bears. Food-conditioned bears that raid garbage, bird feeders, or campsites are typically euthanized because relocation rarely works — relocated bears return or immediately begin food-conditioning in their new location. The bear loses its life due to human failure to secure food attractants. Aversive conditioning using rubber bullets, noise, and dogs can interrupt food conditioning if applied consistently and early. In communities where residents consistently use bear-proof containers and remove attractants, bears maintain their natural wariness of humans and human-wildlife coexistence is sustainable. Education campaigns, bear-proof garbage infrastructure, and seasonal attractant management are the most effective interventions at the community level.