Bear Maul Injuries: When the Face Takes the Hit, and the Textbook Fails

Abstract

Human-animal conflict is not a new phenomenon. It has existed for centuries, almost as long as human civilization itself. However, with expanding human populations, deforestation, and increasing encroachment into forest areas, the boundary between human habitation and wildlife habitats is becoming increasingly blurred. As a result, encounters between humans and wild animals are becoming more frequent, sometimes with devastating consequences. In regions where human settlements and agricultural activities are closely interwoven with forest habitats, such encounters are especially common.  Among the various forms of human-wildlife conflict, injuries caused by bears are a particularly serious concern in our Valley.

Human-animal conflict is not a new phenomenon. It has existed for centuries, almost as long as human civilization itself. However, with expanding human populations, deforestation, and increasing encroachment into forest areas, the boundary between human habitation and wildlife habitats is becoming increasingly blurred. As a result, encounters between humans and wild animals are becoming more frequent, sometimes with devastating consequences. In regions where human settlements and agricultural activities are closely interwoven with forest habitats, such encounters are especially common.  Among the various forms of human-wildlife conflict, injuries caused by bears are a particularly serious concern in our Valley.