An American black bear investigates a scent lure at a hair-snare station

In Navajo culture, the American black bear holds deep significance, symbolizing strength, protection, and a sacred connection to nature and the spiritual world. Little is known about their ecology or how they interact with humans in Arizona. USGS researchers at the Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Arizona State University are working with the Navajo Nation in developing guidelines that may assist to manage human-bear interactions effectively.