Perceptions of relational organizing as a tool for human–bear coexistence

Conflict between humans and American black bears (Ursus americanus) is a growing concern in North America, especially in wildland–urban interfaces. Beyond ecological drivers, conflict reduction relies on changing human behavior. Neighbor-to-neighbor conversations, also known as relational organizing, may drive social diffusion of coexistence actions. However, little research has explored the behavioral conditions enabling (a) residents to initiate conversations and (b) neighbors to listen and adopt bear-safe practices. Using the capability, opportunity, motivations, and behavior (COM-B) framework, we analyzed 34 semistructured interviews with engaged residents in two western US communities with ongoing coexistence efforts. Results highlight that interviewees have heterogeneous knowledge and skills (capability), are committed to leveraging interpersonal relationships but concerned about protecting these relationships (social opportunity), feel more able to engage in relational organizing with enabling programmatic support and regulatory frameworks (physical opportunity), and are motivated by identity, emotion, and beliefs about consequences.