Abstract 337 – Human-Bear Conflicts in Southwest Montana: Mapping Attractants and Prevention Efforts in Missoula and Ravalli Counties

Jessica Reyes, Carrie Hunt, Nils Pedersen, James Jonkel

This project evaluates the impact of human development on land cover changes in Missoula
and Ravalli Counties, MT (USA), and the influence it has had on the spatial and temporal
aspects of reported human-bear conflicts (conflicts) to Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (MFWP)
from 2017-2022. Understanding the characteristics of conflicts is crucial for targeted and
proactive bear management and community development strategies as both grizzly bears and
human populations expand and will enhance safety for both bears and people while promoting
public acceptance of grizzly bears. These southwestern Montana counties consist of over 50%
of public lands and serve as critical linkage zones between the Grizzly Bear Recovery
Ecosystems for both Montana and Wyoming. Ravalli and Missoula Counties have large black
bear populations with chronic conflicts that are increasing. Documented grizzly bear
observations have been increasing in these counties in the last 5 years and subsequent grizzly
bear conflicts are predicted where black bear conflicts have previously been reported. This
project will produce maps detailing attractant types that lead to conflicts, conflict-reduction
infrastructure, and annual land use/land cover changes in each county respectively, and analyze
development growth patterns and geographical features that are correlated with reported
conflicts. Mapping results will be used to establish "bear buffer zones" as conflict mitigation
areas that promote safety for both bears and people in the wildland-urban interface in Ravalli
County and focus conflict prevention resources supporting “Bear Smart Community” initiatives
in both counties. These bear buffer zones will be designated on the map in collaboration with
James Jonkel (MFWP, R2), Wind River Bear Institute, and supporting organizations. This project
is an M.Sc. thesis at the University of Montana scheduled for defense in December 2024. These
maps will also be made available to the public through social media.