Bear Depredations at Backcountry Campgrounds in Glacier National Park

Ecological and human-use parameters of 56 backcountry campgrounds in Glacier National Park were measured to determine factors which predispose these sites to black bear (Ursus americanus) and grizzly bear (U. arctos) depredation. Examination of 50 bear incidents indicated that an unexpectedly high number of bear incidents occurred in deteriorated campgrounds in mature forests which were within 5 km of a developed area, and which had large party limits and good fishing nearby. Changes in present campground management are recommended to minimize bear-human conflicts.