Factors affecting the intensity of human-brown bear conflict in Kohgiluyeh va Boyer-Ahmad province and the most important solutions to reduce conflict

The overlapping of the vital needs of wildlife and humans on the one hand and the increasing human population have led to the intensification of conflicts between local communities and wildlife. Because brown bear has an omnivorous diet and large body size, they often require expansive habitats. These food requirements and wide-ranging behavior often bring them into conflict with humans and livestock. In order to identify the factors affecting the intensity of the brown bear's conflict with local communities, a questionnaire was prepared and interviews were conducted with 332 local communities in and around the brown bear's habitat in Kohgilouye va Boyer-Ahmad province. Using logical regression, social predictive factors on the level of acceptance of the brown bear's right to life were investigated. Also, using the social network analysis approach, the most important reasons for bear attacks on humans and human assets and the most important solutions for conflict management from the perspective of local communities were investigated. Results show that age, gender, education, the level of fear, the amount of people's property, the dangerousness of the bear, and the level of acceptance of the bear among the local communities have a great impact on the intensity of conflicts. On the other hand, social network analysis shows that from the point of view of local communities, the most important reason for brown bear attacks on humans is the annual drought and the sudden encounters between themes. The most important solution to reduce the risk of bear attacks on humans and human resources is to use deterrents and fencing around human resources. Finally, increasing the level of awareness of local communities in the region and securing fences around human resources and damage compensation schemes can help mitigate conflicts and, in some cases, improve the acceptance of bears.