Grizzly bear and human interaction in Yellowstone National Park: An evaluation of bear management areas

Grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park are significantly more likely to occupy areas with restricted human access, demonstrating the effectiveness of Bear Management Areas (BMAs) in reducing human-bear interactions. A study analyzing GPS location data from 2007 to 2009 found that bears were twice as likely to be within these zones when BMAs were closed compared to open periods. Even during times of low human activity, unrestricted access increased bear displacement, highlighting the impact of human presence on bear behavior. The research underscores the utility of management closures in balancing wildlife conservation and recreational access in high-traffic protected areas.

Coleman, T. H., Schwartz, C. C., Gunther, K. A., & Creel, S. (2013). Grizzly bear and human interaction in Yellowstone National Park: An evaluation of bear management areas. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 77(7), 1311–1320. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.602