Behavioral responses of bears to tests of repellents, deterrents, and aversive conditioning

Authors(s): C. L. Hunt

Publication:

Publisher:

Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: MS

Location: Missoula MT

Abstract: Most human-bear conflicts are caused by surprise encounters and bear use of human foods. Investigated were repellents and deterrents with the potential to reduce conflicts. Repellents were tested on 5 captive black bears (Ursus americanus) and 1 captive grizzly bear (U. arctos) as the bears charged or approached humans. Tested were Halt (capsaicin product), Bear Skunker (simulated skunk spray), Shield (mace product), an air horn, railroad flares, a quickly-opened umbrella, and taped music and bear sounds. Most bears were repelled by Halt or a Bear Skunker/Halt combination. Bears repelled during a test were less likely to be aggressive during the next test. Certain bears that seemed inherently non-aggressive were frequently repelled by stimuli that incited charges by more aggressive individuals. Also discussed are inteniton movements by bears, and similar movements by humans that appeared to have signal value for bears. Repellents were delived to 2 black bears and 2 grizzly bear cubs, aimed at aversively conditioning the bears to avoid humans. These bears were subsequently released into the wild. None is known to have caused further problems or to have been killed through hunting or control actions. Important contributing factors may have been the non-aggressive temperament of each of the bears and the timing of their release. Deterrents and repellents were tested on approximately 31 free-ranging black bears visiting baits at a sanitary landfill. Tests of taste and odor deterrents included ammonia, male and female human urine, mothballs, Bear Skunker, Boundry (dog deterrent), and Technichem (bear deterrent). Full strength Parson's ammonia and male human urine placed on baits deterred most bears from eating; only ammonia appeared to deter many bears from approaching baits. Pain-inducing repellents triggered by remote control ere Bear Skunker and Halt. Halt repelled most bears from the site temporarily. Test responses were the result of the effect of a stimulus on the individual bear, dominance activities by other bears at the site, and the availability of natural foods in the area. Certain bears appeared to tolerate the more noxious deterrents or returned repeatedly following tests of the triggered repellents. Presented as an appendix is an extensive bibliography entitled Deterrents, Aversive Conditioning, and Other Practices: An Annotated Bibliography to Aid in Bear Management.

Keywords: bibliography, behavior, animal, mammal, food, bear, Ursidae, grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, human activity, black bear, Ursus americanus