As bear populations recover in some regions and expand in others, managing human-bear conflict humanely is critical for both bear welfare and public safety.
Bears killed as nuisance animals in human-wildlife conflict represent preventable welfare losses in many cases. Most conflict arises because bears have accessed human food sources and become conditioned to seek them out. Prevention-focused programs including bear-proof garbage containers, electric fencing for beehives and orchards, and public education are far more effective and humane than lethal management. Bears that are killed are often young individuals whose behavior resulted from human failure to secure attractants.