A behavior-based framework for managing human-wildlife interactions in parks: Managing individual animal behavior

Leong, Kirsten; Stiver, Bill; Donaldson, Lindsey; Bates, Scott

Wildlife are an important component of the natural resources protected by the National Park Service (NPS); national parks provide habitat for wildlife, and park staff restore species and help to preserve the important role of wildlife in naturally functioning ecosystems. In addition, national parks welcome over 307 million visitors annually, and wildlife viewing is an important activity for many visitors. When people interact with animals, wildlife learn from these experiences and may modify their behavior. For example, rather than keep their distance or flee from people, animals in parks may approach people in search of food or simply ignore approaching people. People, in turn may try to get close to animals perceived to be tame. While these behavioral changes can have benefits, such as increasing the probability that visitors will see wildlife, they also can negatively affect wildlife health and reproduction, current and future visitor experiences, and the safety of both humans and wildlife. NPS managers have indicated a need for guidance to improve consistency in how the NPS manages individual animals that interact with humans, especially because the appropriate management response often will depend on the specific situation and overall management context. To address this need, the NPS Biological Resources Division (BRD) of the Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate has been working with wildlife biologists across the National Park System to share knowledge and best practices related to changes in wildlife behavior that result in problematic management situations. Managing the human-wildlife interactions that result in wildlife behavior change can be achieved through a broad range of actions, from managing human behavior through area closures, education, outreach, and enforcement; to managing attractants such as human food, water and infrastructure; to managing the animals themselves via hazing, aversive conditioning, capture, and removal. While these actions often need to be used together, BRD most often receives questions about techniques to manage animals. This report is the result of a workshop held in August, 2014 in Fort Collins, CO to begin to structure and summarize information related to managing animal behavior, with the ultimate goal of improving visitor and wildlife safety in parks. Part I of the report begins with background information on animal behavior and learning. Key terminology is defined, especially the distinction between habituation (when an animal’s response to a stimulus with no consequences weakens after repeated exposure, e.g. elk no longer running away from visitors in parks) and conditioning (when an animal increases the frequency or intensity of its response to a stimulus that has positive or negative consequences, e.g. bears approaching people or breaking into vehicles looking for food). Part II outlines additional guidance for three groups of animal that are often involved in human-wildlife interactions: ungulates (hoofed animals, such as, bison, elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep), mesocarnivores (medium sized carnivores, like coyotes, bobcats, raccoons and foxes), and bears (black bears and brown/grizzly bears).

A behavior-based framework for managing human-wildlife interactions in parks: Managing individual animal behavior

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