Bears and the City: Spatiotemporal Patterns of Human-Black Bear Interactions in a Mexican Metropolis

As human settlements grow, interactions with wildlife become more frequent. The American Black Bear ( Ursus americanus ) exhibits behavioral plasticity that facilitates its adaptation to urban environments. In Mexico, this species is listed as endangered, and while it has been studied in rural settings, its patterns in urban environments remain largely unexplored. Due to its proximity to extensive natural areas, the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA) experiences frequent and close interactions with this species, which may escalate into conflict if not properly managed. This study aimed to identify spatial and seasonal patterns of human–bear interactions and locate high-probability “hotspots” within the MMA. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Fisher’s Exact Test were used to explore associations between biological variables such as gender, age, bear seasonality, and contextual factors such as interaction type and land use. In addition, an Optimized Hot Spot Analysis was used to identify areas with the highest likelihood of interaction. Sightings were the most frequent type of interaction, and the hyperphagia season yielded the highest number of reports. Through the MCA, the associated variables involved sightings of female bears in recreational areas, and subadult bears in residential areas during pre-hyperphagia season. Spatial analysis identified the most intense hotspots in the southwestern part of the MMA, adjacent to Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, a federally protected area surrounded by dense residential development. These results suggest that both seasonal bear behavior and the proximity of human settlements with high-quality habitat influence interaction patterns. Recognizing these spatial and temporal trends is essential for identifying risk areas and allocating resources efficiently for conflict prevention and mitigation, which in turn supports black bear conservation in Mexico.