The black bear (Ursus americanus) is the largest carnivore inhabiting Crater Lake National Park. The exact population of bear is unknown, but has been estimated at approximately 30 to 40 animals. There is speculation that this number may be decreasing, due largely to habitat reduction surrounding the park and to the increase in bear hunting. Additionally, recent drought conditions have contributed to the stress on these animals. Natural food sources, such as berries, have been in scarce supply. External conditions and pressure existing outside the park are no doubt limiting the range of bears, forcing them to concentrate their forage within the boundaries of the park. These factors increase the likelihood that bears will continue to venture into our developed, human-inhabited areas in search for food.

The park visitor, as a temporary and short term user, shares the same natural habitat as bears. Visits are generally short-term and temporary, but with long term effects. Bears are permanent residents and strive to survive in a habitat influenced by man, yet managed to be as near natural as possible. The challenge we face is to manage visitors, bears, and park operations in such a manner that the bear's natural existence is not impinged upon, yet provide for safe visitor use that will minimize human-bear conflict.

While black bear are normally shy animals who avoid human contact, the presence and availability of human food often leads to conflict. Food-reward association with humans can result in the loss of fear of Man and a more "sophisticated" and unnatural population of bear. As the animal becomes "habituated" to this food source and to the presence of humans, its behavior may become more bold, and more aggressive. Property damage and the potential for injury may result.

The black bear is a very intelligent animal with an incredible ability toward learned behavior. For example, if successful in obtaining food from a cooler, the cooler (which next time may be empty) may become associated with food. If the cooler happens to be stored in plain view inside a vehicle, this is no obstacle for the bear. It may simply remove a window or a door enroute to the cooler. Covering the cooler with a blanket or other item (while being stored inside a vehicle) may prevent this. Better yet, the cooler and food items should be secured in a trunk, and all garbage immediately deposited in a bear proof trash can or dumpster. A clean camp is extremely important.

When we address the proper storage of food items, or "food storage regulations", we must be concerned with more than just "food". Park regulations define food as any item to be consumed (including drinks), as well as all toiletries and soaps. Garbage includes such items as empty cans, paper, food wrappers, bags, etc. Further, all food, garbage, coolers, and/or equipment utilized in the cooking of food must be sealed in a vehicle. These restrictions do not apply to food that is being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption. Dirty, non-disposable tableware and cookware must be washed, or else stored as food.

Persons found in violation of food storage regulations are subject to prosecution. Park Rangers have confiscated food left unattended and held the items until the owners claimed the food - and were promptly issued a citation.

If a bear has been successful in obtaining food, never attempt to take the food away from the bear! This may sound obvious, but it has happened and the result has been significant injury. If rangers witness such action or other improper bear behavior, they may employ aversive conditioning in an attempt to punish the bear, hoping to reverse its behavior. This action must only be taken by trained persons. Aversive conditioning must be used with discretion around bystanders. They should always be advised of the rationale behind the use of this technique. Other precautions.....never step between a bear who is about to acquire food and the food source. And never place yourself between a sow and her cubs.

Black bear are generally easy to frighten away. To accomplish this, recommendations for visitor action include making loud noise (vocal, banging on pots and pans, etc.) and holding your ground to the approaching bear. Such action will usually result in a discouraged bear which moves on. A bear that has become habituated, however, may learn to bluff charge. A bluff charge is a discernable aggressive movement toward humans. This action is intended to move persons from an area, such as a picnic table or campsite where food is present. Once accomplished, the bear enjoys a free meal. This action should be considered serious, and may pose a threat to personal safety; holding your ground is no longer advised. In the event of a bluff charge, stay calm and back away, talking aloud but in soft tones. Avoid direct eye contact and don't turn and run. If actually attacked by a black bear, some experts advise to fight back (unlike a grizzly attack, where the suggested action is to assume the fetal position and play dead). Other signs of possible aggressive bear behavior may include grunting, snorting, gnashing of teeth, swaying of the head, and laying back of the ears.

Visitors often express fear of black bear and question if they will be safe while visiting the campground or sleeping in a tent. While we can never guarantee the safety of anyone, we can advise of the necessary precautions that will minimize potential conflict. To place the hazard in perspective, the odds of being injured in a motor vehicle accident while driving through the park are much greater than from a bear encounter. To improve your chances of a safe and enjoyable visit, diligently practice proper behavior in bear country and engender a healthy respect for these wild animals.

"Problem bears" are a consequence of irresponsible human behavior. "A fed bear is a dead bear." It is everyone's responsibility to behave properly and responsibly in bear country.