Study

Distance-dependent effectiveness of diversionary bear bait sites

  • Published source details Stringham S.F. & Bryant A. (2015) Distance-dependent effectiveness of diversionary bear bait sites. Human Wildlife Interactions, 9, 229-235.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Provide diversionary feeding for mammals to reduce nuisance behaviour and human-wildlife conflict

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Provide diversionary feeding for mammals to reduce nuisance behaviour and human-wildlife conflict

    A before-and-after and site comparison study in 2007 of 20 local communities in Lake Tahoe Basin, USA (Stringham & Bryant 2015) found that diversionary feeding of black bears Ursus americanus during a drought reduced human-bear conflicts, particularly in communities closest to feeding sites. Overall, the total number of human-bear conflicts/month was lower three months after diversionary feeding commenced (834) compared to one month before (1,819), although the difference was not tested for statistical significance (data reported in Stringham & Bryant 2016). Average daily declines in conflicts during the three months of feeding were greater at seven communities located 1 km from feeding sites (1.2%) than at three communities located ≥8 km from feeding sites (0.6%). Diversionary feeding was carried out in September–November 2007 after human-bear conflicts increased during a drought. Fruit and nuts were scattered over a 100 m2 area at 10 forest sites located 1–20 km from 20 communities. Human-bear conflicts (bears in yards, homes etc.) were reported to a telephone hotline in May–November 2007.

    Stringham S. & Bryant, A. (2016) Commentary: Distance-dependent effectiveness of diversionary bear bait sites. Human–Wildlife Interactions, 10, 128–131.

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

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