Human–Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) interactions in the Kaghan Valley, Pakistan

Few studies have reported on the distribution, food choices, general behaviour, and interactions of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) with humans. We explored the conservation status of the species and its conflicts with humans in the Kaghan Valley, northwest Pakistan. From September 2013 to December 2015, residents from 24 villages in three major regions of the Kaghan Valley were interviewed about human–bear conflicts. In parallel, a survey for signs of bear presence was conducted to assess bear presence, including bear attacks and crop damage that occurred during the survey period. Most interviewees (70%) confirmed that human–bear conflicts exist, and that they arise primarily from crop raiding (n = 40), followed by attacks on livestock (n = 32) and humans (n = 15). Most interviewees stated that they actively disliked bears (47.3%), or had a generally negative perception of bears (63.3%). Such responses were strongly associated with living close to or within bear habitat. Bears raided approximat...