This project explores a way to design and implement a proactive conflict mitigation program for conflict between large mammals and people residing in the Midwestern US.

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Wolves (Canis lupus), black bears (Ursus americanus), moose (Alces alces), elk (Cervus elaphus), and other large mammals once covered the entirety of North America. Over time persecution and over hunting led to near extinction of these species, until only small and isolated populations existed in the few remaining patches of wilderness. In the following decades protections were put in place for these diminishing species. Through successful conservation programs and management, many large mammal species have undergone significant population growth.

  

As large mammal populations in the western Great Lakes region expand they are at greater risk of moving into areas of human habitation. Interactions between large mammals and people can lead to human-wildlife conflict.  Awareness campaigns have been implemented all over the world in an effort to help people and wildlife coexist. However, most programs are done reactively, meaning that they are put in place after there has already been severe conflict between people and wildlife. Rarely are conservationists given the opportunity to implement these programs proactively. Given how successful these programs have been, it is reasonable to assume that they might be even more effective if they are implemented before conflict has caused tension.

  

A proactive approach requires that conservationists be aware of the population growth of potential conflict species. If conservationists and land managers know where there is population growth then they can start to predict where there might be conflict. Additionally, there needs to be a sound understanding of local attitudes towards the species before there is any real conflict. The social climate of potential conflict areas will determine what type of campaign would be most effective. Implementing a proactive approach would take a lot of effort. It would require that conservationists, social scientists, land managers, and many other stakeholder groups work together. However, it could pay out dividends by helping to mitigate human-wildlife conflict before it becomes a large problem.

  

Land managers, NGO’s, governmental agencies, and other decision makers do not have the resources to learn entire new programs and methodologies. It is therefore important to utilize existing and common tools when proposing a new methodology. This project utilizes ArcGIS, Miradi, and survey techniques to propose a proactive approach to implementing a mitigation program for conflict between large mammals and people. These programs and techniques are commonly used amongst land managers and other decision makers, making the best use of the manager’s current resources.