Landscape, Social, and Spatial Influences on Perceptions of Human–Black Bear Interactions in the Adirondack Park, NY

Effective methods to identify areas and people prone to human–wildlife conflicts help wildlife and land managers develop strategies that minimize unwanted human–wildlife interactions. We combined landscape variables (i.e., housing density, habitat quality) with data on local land use practices and sociodemographics from a mail survey of 730 landowners to anticipate perceptions of human–black bear (Ursus americanus) interactions in the Adirondack Park in Northern New York, USA. Generalized linear models indicated that specific experiences (e.g., bears approaching people), general concerns about wildlife, and actual property damage were most closely related to perceiving a negative interaction with bears. Similar perceptions of human–bear interactions were spatially clustered. Negative and indifferent perceptions of bear interactions were associated with less support for wildlife protection programs. Strategies fostering information exchange between wildlife managers and land use planners may be effective in limiting human–bear interactions before landowners have conflicts.