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Conservation Through Coexistence: Using Solar Powered Electric Fencing to Prevent Andean Bear – Human Conflicts in Venezuela World over there is a long history of conflicts between humans and natural resources. Notably, human-bear conflicts are a common focus at the intersection of conservation and regional economics. The complex threats to the South American Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) are closely linked to peoples’ everyday activities and cultural philosophies. Undisturbed habitat has been reduced and fragmented causing bear populations to come into contact with humans with increasing frequency, resulting in numerous conflicts. One such conflict was identified in early 2003 between Audelino DelGado, a Venezuelan cattle rancher, and a suspected “cattle killer” inhabiting his property and the neighboring Sierra de la Culata National Park. The use of electric fences to seclude livestock and preclude predators has long been practiced, but has otherwise been unavailable in remote and economically challenged applications. The transference of electric fencing as a ranching tool and combining it with the success experienced in the zoological setting (particularly in bear exhibits) it is hypothesized this project will bring a practical and viable solution to curtail human-bear conflicts. In turn, conflict avoidance will modify the human response and influence attitudes, building the foundation for successful conservation . Upon arrival to Merida, Venezuela, the first objective was to cement partnerships. These partnerships extended between ourselves, Denis Torres (Foundation AndigenA) a long time Andean bear researcher, Audelino DelGado (the rancher), and Inparques (the national park service). Denis Torres served as the project’s language interpreter and negotiated the support of the rancher and local officials. The support of Inparques proved to be invaluable as they provided a vehicle and driver for the duration of the project. All of the specialty fence materials were transported from the US (i.e. solar fence charger, corner insulators, gate handles, wire tension pulleys, camera traps, etc...). Locating fence posts, high tensile wire, in-line insulators, and grounding rods proved to be more of a challenge than even anticipated. After visiting five different “hardware” dealers, 90 metal t-posts were purchased (all available), 40 schedule 40 PVC posts (to supplement the lack of metal posts), 30 meters of schedule 20 PVC pipe (to be cut into collars for the in-line insulators), 1 bundle of 14 gauge high tensile wire, 2 copper grounding rods (5/8" x 2.4 meters), and miscellaneous hand tools were purchased. Although the straight line distance between Merida and the fence site is a mere 32 miles, the driving time involved approximately four hours. The drive took us in a north easterly direction on paved and dirt roads into the Andes mountains. We reached a peak altitude of approximately 4300 meters (12,900 feet) and concluded at 3533 meters (10,600 feet). Fence construction began with setting the first wooden corner post that was cut on site by the rancher’s laborers he allocated to us for the project. From that first post, two metal tposts were set and then a PVC post at 4 meter (12 feet) increments. That pattern was repeated until the desired length of the first leg was achieved. The length was determined by the maximum number of available posts per side, assuming a square. After establishing the perimeter, insulators were installed on the metal posts, and three strands of wire were strung and stretched. Next, a gate with insulated handles was constructed. Finally, the solar fence charger and the ground rods were installed and tested. With an incomplete charge, the fence tested at a satisfactory 2,000 volts. As determined by GPS (Global Positioning System), the linear distance of the fence was 1616.9 feet (approx. 1/3 mile) and enclosed an area of about 3.75 acres. The second aspect of the project centered around the installation of four camera traps in strategic locations. These 35mm cameras are motion activated and can be programed to shoot 1-6 frames per disturbance. These cameras were incorporated to provide tangible evidence as to what is (or is not) being precluded from the site. The site proved to be in prime Andean bear habitat as evidenced by the discovery of a bear nest high in a tree at one of the four corners. To our surprise a cow’s skull was found in this nest. In conclusion, if comparing other bear species, it is arguable some individual bears do predate on cattle. But as a whole Andean bears, like other bear species, do not associate cattle as food. During my time in the field, I hypothesize that two other issues are at hand contributing to the cattle killing reputation of Andean bears. First, on frequent occasions feral dogs were observed. Stray dogs, it appears, is quite a problem in these rural areas and undoubtedly contributes to cattle deaths. Secondly, veterinary care and general animal management is not distinguishable, particularly disposal of cattle carcasses. In either case, it is easily foreseeable how Andean bears could be blamed for these deaths. Whether Andean bears are true predators or not (rather than opportunistic carrion feeders) has not been satisfactorily demonstrated by in-country researchers. Being able to resolve this “predation question”, either supporting or negating the role of bears as predators, is a key piece of information for any successful management plan that aims to conserve both Andean bears and the livelihood of Andean settlers