Assessment of Communication Focused on Human-Black Bear Conflict at Yosemite National Park

Abstract

This study assessed how Yosemite National Park (YNP) targets the continuing problem of human-black bear conflicts via interpretive communication. The research examines how YNP delivers information to visitors about human-black bear conflicts, and how visitors receive that information. Key variables include message recall by visitors, the effectiveness of message content and media in reaching visitors in various overnight lodging locations, the spatial relationship between message delivery and bear incidents, and the role of park employees in delivering bear information to visitors. Results indicate that park visitors receive messages about bears. Inconsistencies between messages delivered via personal interpretive services and YNP bear management policy were revealed. Implications for future research and improving YNP's human-bear communication program are offered.