sites where a bear left a hair sample (for example, a dumpster tipped over by a bear). Genetic analysis of these samples yields the species, sex, and individual identification of the bear that provided the sample. The use of NGS negates the need to trap, drug, handle, and collar large numbers of bears. In fact, the bears are never aware that they are being studied.

The NPS commissioned this study in response to the increas¬ing number of bearhuman conflicts reported in the Kennicott valley in the years leading up to 1999, particularly near the “end of the road.” The potential for human injury and property damage as a result of these conflicts seemed to be increasing, and yet there were no data available as to why this might be. These concerns were dramatically illustrated by the events of July 1999. Many local residents vividly remember that in 1999, a female brown bear with 2yearold cubs chased, treed, and cornered people and destroyed property on numerous occasions near the end of the road (these events were reported in the Sept/Oct 1999 issue of this publication, “McCarthy—under siege”). Those bears were extremely aggressive and were successful in obtaining food and garbage numerous times. My study was designed to determine the underlying factors that could contribute to such a dangerous situation in the Kennicott valley, and to develop specific recom¬mendations to reduce or eliminate the probability of such an event occurring again. In so doing, I wanted to take local knowledge and the realities of bush living into consideration. Hopefully this and subsequent articles will provide information with which McCarthyarea residents can better coexist with the local bears and appreciate them for the fascinating animals that they are.

Major Findings, in Brief

My study area stretched from the Nizina River in the south to Donoho Peak in the north, and from Swift Creek in the west to Bonanza Ridge and Porphyry Mountain in the east. Genetic analysis of hair samples collected within this 143 square mile area in 20002001 resulted in the identification of 92 individual bears (84 black and 8 brown). It should be pointed out that this is a minimum population count rather than a total. Based on other interior Alaskan bear studies, I had originally estimated that a total of 3060 black bears and 68 brown bears would reside in the study area.

A total of 157 conflicts were reported for 20002001. Seventeen individual bears were identified from hair samples collected at 24 of these sites, which suggests that a relatively large number of bears are coming into conflict with humans, rather than just a few “problem” bears. The main causes of bearhuman conflicts were human food and garbage, particularly for residents, who were involved in 80% of all reported conflicts. Of particular concern is the fact that bears received a food reward in 37% of all reported conflicts. Although bearhuman conflicts occurred throughout the summer season, there is a dramatic peak in conflicts in July.

Between 19992001, at least 24 bears, and perhaps as many as 36, were killed by humans in and around the Kennicott valley. Of 20 cases where the residency of the shooter was known, local residents killed all but one bear. Confirmed deaths include at least 9 brown bears, of which at least two were females and 4 were cubs; and 15 black bears, at least 3 of which were females. Considering the small resident human population in the Kennicott valley, this is an astounding number of bears killed, and is probably unsustainable, particularly for brown bears.

What does it all Mean?