(Sacramento, CA) — The state of California is developing a new plan to protect black bears and reduce conflicts with people. The plan includes data from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Incident Reporting System, which began in 2017. The data shows a significant increase in conflicts between humans and black bears in 2021 and 2022.

According to wildlife officials, potential human conflict could be caused by a variety of issues, including bears showing they’re comfortable around people, homes, campgrounds, neighborhoods, and businesses.

Most black bear conflicts involve black bears interacting with food, garbage, and livestock.