As use of YNP's backcountry increased, park managers became concerned over the potential impact high levels of recreational use might have on grizzly bear activity in backcountry areas. In 1983, the park implemented a Bear Management Area program which restricts recreational use in areas with seasonal concentrations of grizzly bears. Repeated exposure to, and interactions with humans may lead to habituation of bears to people. Habituated bears are often perceived as threats to human safety and removed from the population.
Habituation also increases the chances of bears becoming conditioned to human foods or garbage.
Bear Management Areas promote the type of bear behavior tolerated by people, wary bears that avoid human activities. Prevent human-caused displacement of bears from prime food sources. Human-caused displacement of bears from important foraging areas may result in an overall reduction of habitat effectiveness and carrying capacity. Bear Management Area restrictions help prevent high levels of recreational activity from displacing bears from areas of important bear habitat. Reduce the risk of human injury in areas with a high level of bear activity.