Bear-Baiting May Exacerbate Wolf-Hunting Dog Conflict

摘要: Background The influence of policy on the incidence human-wildlife conflict can be complex and not entirely anticipated. Policies for managing bear hunter success depredation hunting dogs by wolves represent an important case because with increasing wolves, depredations are expected to increase. This is challenging compensation wolf as compared livestock less common more likely opposed. Therefore, actions that minimize likelihood such conflicts a conservation need. Methodology/Principal Findings We used data from two US states similar populations but markedly different wolf/hunting dog patterns examine regulations, ratios, method, effort trends. Results indicated ratio permits sold per wolf, method factors affecting trends in Upper Great Lakes region, strong differences exist between Michigan Wisconsin related part timing duration bear-baiting (i.e., free feeding). The probability depredated bear-hunting increases bear-baiting, resulting relative risk 2.12–7.22× greater than Michigan. net effect may also contribute difference states. Conclusions/Significance These results identified potential tradeoff wolf/bear-hunting conflict. These indicate management options exist, adjusting baiting regulations. If reducing goal, this analysis indicates aside (or addition to) abundance might achieve goal. study stresses need better understand relationship among practices, behavior, occurrence.