The Intentional and Unintentional Human Food Subsidy Landscape for a Large Carnivore.

ABSTRACT: Humans have transformed ecosystems and resource availability. Many species exploit these novel resources, which can increase conflict between humans and wildlife. This is particularly true for large carnivores that readily consume human foods, which can lead to conflict. However, disentangling the different forms of human food subsidies, their drivers across a landscape, and potential consequences for conflict has not been explored. American black bears (Ursus americanus) consume large quantities of unintentional (e.g., refuse, crops) and intentional human food (e.g., hunting bait). Up to 40% of a wild bear's diet can be from human food subsidies. This consumption has been associated with increasing numbers and more conflict. The state of Wisconsin, USA, has a liberal bear baiting policy a

SUBMITTER: Smith MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12368351 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature