Lasting behavioural responses of brown bears to experimental encounters with humans

摘要: Summary 1. Some large carnivore populations are increasing in Europe and North America, minimizing interactions between people carnivores is a major management task. Analysing the effects of human disturbance on wildlife from predator–prey perspective also conservation interest, because individual behavioural responses to perceived risk predation may ultimately influence population distribution demography. 2. The Scandinavian brown bear provides good model study an expanding population, who use forests extensively for professional recreational activities. We experimentally approached 52 GPS-collared bears (293 approaches foot) 2006 2011, document reaction quantify effect movements. 3. None reacted aggressively observers. Although location animals was known, were usually quite concealed spots physically detected only 16% (seen 42 approaches; heard 6). However, altered their daily movement patterns after approaches. Bears increased at night-time moved less daytime, which most visible days 1 2 approaches, altering foraging resting routines. 4. Synthesis applications. provide experimental evidence carnivore. lack aggressive reactions approaching observers reinforces idea that European generally avoid people, although can respond if they feel threatened (e.g. when wounded). changed disturbance. Separating temporally spatially important goal management. Conserving shrub cover concealment keeping away densely vegetated way encounters therefore promoting safety conservation.