‘It’s a people problem, not a goat problem.’ Mitigating human–mountain goat interactions in a Canadian Provincial Park

Abstract

Context. Wildlife viewing is a primary reason people visit parks and protected areas. However, high rates of visitation increase the potential for interactions between humans and wildlife. This close proximity of humans and wildlife can lead to habituation to human presence and pose a threat to both animals and humans. Aims. We describe human-mountain goat interactions in Cathedral Provincial Park (CPP), in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and examine management and mitigation strategies to reduce these interactions. Methods. This project was a collaboration with BC Parks. We used community-based participatory research methodologies, conducting interviews and surveys from July 2020 to November 2021 with park visitors, staff, and researchers. Key results. Most respondents encountered mountain goats in the park and understood the park's messaging; however, not all respondents took the necessary steps to reduce encounters. We recommend further education efforts focused on formal staff training and improved infrastructure in the park. Conclusions. Our results can be used to inform management decisions related to human-wildlife interactions, primarily in parks and protected areas. On a proximate level, we suggest further educational efforts and improved infrastructure in the park to help overcome perceived lack of action by some participants. Ultimately, there is a need to incorporate human aspects of human-wildlife interactions into management decisions aimed at addressing potential and existing problems. Implications. Using a multitude of approaches to management, informed by biological, social, and cultural knowledge, can improve responses and mitigation strategies in human-wildlife interactions. Collaboration among different stakeholders allows for the exchange of ideas and innovations that can contribute to positive movement towards coexistence of humans and wildlife in parks and recreational areas.

How climate change and population growth will shape attendance and human-wildlife interactions at British Columbia parks

“…The presence and behaviour of humans in protected areas can negatively impact wildlife through increased zoonotic disease transmission (Charron, 2002;Monahan et al, 2009), a loss of biodiversity (Nyhus, 2016), altered spatiotemporal patterns in habitat use, including habitat loss through avoidance, behavioural change (e.g., conditioning, tolerance, predator shield;Lopez Gutierrez et al, 2020;Procko et al, 2023), and changes in energetics (Corradini et al, 2021;Gaynor et al, 2018;Larson et al, 2016;Reed & Merenlender, 2008;Rogala et al, 2011;Sarmento & Berger, 2017;Whittington et al, 2022). Human sourced food and salts also act as attractants for many species, generating human-wildlife-interactions (HWIs) that can result in the destruction of individual animals (Hebblewhite et al, 2003;Vayro et al, 2023). Beyond the impacts on wildlife, HWIs also pose a risk of physical endangerment to park visitors, property damage, and a loss of recreational opportunities (Nyhus, 2016).…”

“…In Banff National Park, for instance, interactions with black bears (Ursus americanus) attracted to the food brought in by park visitors results in high levels of management-induced bear mortality and relocations (Hebblewhite et al, 2003). Similarly, high densities of visitors in BC's Cathedral Provincial Park have been spurring an increase in mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) interactions, with reports of goats showing threat displays and forcing hikers off of trails (Balyx, 2022;Vayro et al, 2023).…”