From the field: Brown bear habituation to people - Safety, risks, and benefits

摘要: Recently, brown bear (Ursus arctos) viewing has increased in coastal Alaska and British Columbia, as well interior areas such Yellowstone National Park. Viewing is most often being done under conditions that offer acceptable safety to both people bears. We analyze comment on the underlying processes lead bears tolerate at close range. Although habituation an important process influencing dis- tance which people, other variables also modify levels of bear-to-human tolerance. Because may react internally with energetic costs before showing overt reaction humans, we propose a new term, Overt Reaction Distance, emphasize what observe external bear. In this paper con- ceptually terms benefits risks conclude managers policy-makers must develop site-specific plans identify extent tolerance will be permitted. The pro- posed management needs scientific underpinning. It our belief viewing, where appropriate, promote conservation populations, habitats, ecosys- tems it instills respect concern those who participate.