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. Property damage and the potential for injury may result. The black bear is a very intelligent animal with an incredible ability toward learned behavior.