Julie Young, Taylor Peltier, Sara Fischer, Megan Stone, Emily Pomeranz, Coy Norton, Tyler Petroelje

Human interactions with black bears (Ursus americanus) are increasing in the USA. This trend is evident in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, the study site for our project. Increasing bear numbers paired with shifting social dynamics in this region are reflected in increased nuisance complaints, underscoring the need for management strategies informed by both ecological evidence and community perspectives. While prior work has examined specific aspects of conflict and coexistence, a comprehensive understanding of the social-ecological system where interactions occur, how people perceive them, and which management actions are most effective remains limited. Our research integrates ecological and human‑dimensions data to evaluate patterns of human-bear interactions across the northern Lower Peninsula. Using geospatial analysis and statistical modeling, we estimate bear density and behaviors, human attitudes and acceptability of bears, and public perceptions of bear management. Spatially mapping areas of overlapping human and bear use, combined with landscape features such as apiaries, orchards, residential areas, and recreation sites, allows us to identify hotspots of potential conflict and coexistence. Pairing ecological assessments of bear populations with survey results measuring public support for management actions, we aim to generate recommendations that are both socially acceptable and ecologically effective. Our findings can guide targeted outreach, improve bear‑safety messaging, and strengthen trust between agencies and communities. This integrated social-ecological systems approach supports wildlife management agencies’ missions and demonstrates how combining science, management practice, and community engagement can advance long‑term human-bear coexistence in changing landscapes.