The fate of transported American black bears in Yosemite National Park

American black bears (Ursus americanus) transported from developed areas to Yosemite National Park's undeveloped regions are more likely to return if they were previously food-conditioned by humans. Analyzing 29 bears (16 of which returned), researchers found that 15 returning bears were food-conditioned, while only one was not. By 2011, 65% of these transported bears had been euthanized or harvested near developed areas, with no non-food-conditioned bears reported as killed. The study recommends discontinuing the transport of food-conditioned bears and considering population control measures for problem bears.

Hopkins, J. B., & Kalinowski, S. T. (2013). The fate of transported American black bears in Yosemite National Park. Ursus, 24(2), 120–126. https://doi.org/10.2192/ursus-d-12-00018.1