1024-0281 Bear Sighting (11.21.2024)

SUPPORTING STATEMENT A

FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION

NPS Bear Sighting and Encounter Reports

OMB Control Number 1024-0281

Terms of Clearance. None.

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.

The National Park Service (NPS) is submitting a request to revise the currently approved collection, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Bear Sighting and Encounter Reports (1024-0281). This revision will expand the collection to include a new form specifically for bear sighting reports from National Parks and surrounding management areas in states outside of Alaska. The revised collection will cover at least 18 states and 13 National Parks as part of this updated reporting system.

The National Park Service (NPS) Organic Act of 1916, 54 U.S.C. §100101, et seq., mandates that the NPS preserve national parks for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations. To support this mission and ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (GLBA) monitors bear sightings and interactions. This data is collected using two existing forms specific for bear sighting in Alaska specifically and GLBA:

• NPS Form 10-405, “Tatshenshini – Alsek River Bear Report”

• NPS Form 10-406, “Glacier Bay Bear Information Management (BIM) Report”

In addition to these, a new form is being introduced to further enhance bear management efforts throughout the entire system:

NEW

• NPS Form 10-407, “NPS Bear Reporting and Encounter Form”

This new form will help improve the tracking of bear encounters and provide valuable data to enhance both visitor safety and wildlife management.

Bear-watching has become increasingly popular in recent years, attracting wildlife photographers, families, and casual travelers eager to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitats. This surge in ecotourism and wildlife conservation efforts has helped establish bear-watching as a key component of outdoor adventures, drawing millions of visitors to national parks across the United States.

Park managers utilize the Bear-Human Information Management System (BHIMS) to track interactions between bears and visitors over time. Park visitors are encouraged to report any bear-related encounters. The interaction the biologist had with the bear would be classified as an "encounter," meaning the bear was aware of the human and altered its behavior accordingly. However, this type of encounter does not require follow-up from park management. In contrast, any situation where a bear damages property, acquires food, makes physical contact with a person, or repeatedly approaches within 10 yards (9 meters) is classified as an "incident." Reporting such incidents is crucial for helping park managers identify potential problem areas and take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of both bears and park users.

Bear sighting data provides park managers with important information used to determine bear movements, habitat use, and species distribution. This information is used in backcountry management and planning, field research planning, and educational outreach for visitors. Bear-human interaction data is vital to understanding how bears respond to people, detecting changes in bear behavior, and identifying potential areas of high bear-human conflict.

The bear sighting and encounter reporting forms are an extension of our statutory authority and responsibility to protect the park areas we administer and to manage the public use thereof. NPS regulations codified in 36 CFR 1-7, 12, and 13, are designated to implement statutory mandates that provide for resource protection, public enjoyment, and visitor protection. The collection and timeliness of information concerning bear-human contact is vital to managing the potential conflict between bears and park visitors.

Legal Authorities

• 54 U.S.C. §100101 National Park Service and Related Programs

• 36 CFR 1-7, 12 and 13 - Special Regulations for Areas of the National Park System

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection. Be specific. If this collection is a form or a questionnaire, every question needs to be justified.

Obtaining immediate information on bear-human conflicts allows managers to respond promptly to mitigate further conflicts. Proactive mitigation includes notifying other backcountry users, issuing advisories or recommendations, or issuing closures to prevent further conflicts and maintain public safety. Additionally, park managers use reports of bear-human conflict to develop bear management strategies. Obtaining current and accurate information on bear sightings and interactions is critical to the NPS’ ability to enhance the safety of visitors, protect the bear population at the park, and manage resources to minimize conflicts. Summary statistics (without personal information) may be generated to examine long-term trends in types and locations of bear-human interactions. Observations and interactions by visitors are recorded using three forms: NPS Form 10-405, 10-406, and 10-407.

NPS Form 10-405 - “Tatshenshini – Alsek River Bear Report”

NPS Form 10-405 is used to collect information regarding bear sightings within GLBA. The submission of this form is voluntary upon exiting the park backcountry. Information collected using NPS Form 10-405 includes:

• Group name

• Take-out date

• Whether visitor encountered dirty campsites left by previous users or observe unsafe or inappropriate behavior by other groups

• Detailed information for each sighting documented on the form, to include:

• Date/time

• Species type

• Total number of bears seen together (for each sighting)

• Bear unit type

• Estimation of distance between visitor and bear(s)

• Whether the bear was aware of the group

• Bear reaction to group

• Activity of group

• Number of observers

• Location description/campsite name/GPS position/other comments

NPS Form 10-406, “Bear Information Management Report”

Submission of NPS Form 10-406 is used in other parks in Alaska where bear encounters occur. The form is used to report when a bear enters a camp, approaches a group, damages gear, obtains food, and/or acts in an aggressive or threatening manner toward a group of visitors. Information collected using NPS Form 10-406 includes:

• Name and phone number of the primary person involved in the interaction

• Group type: park visitor, concession employee, contractor, researcher, NPS employee, or other

• Number of people who encountered the bear.

• Corresponding sighting number on NPS Form 10-405; Location 1-28 (Backcountry vs Developed Area A and B)

• Types of vegetation in the area of encounter

• The bear’s activity when it was first observed

• The group’s activity before seeing the bear

• The bear’s initial and subsequent reaction to the group

• Group’s response to the bear’s reaction

• Group’s distance to the bear

• Whether food was present, and if so, if it was eaten by the bear

• Whether property was damaged including photos if available

• Detailed description of the interaction including photos when available

• Detailed description of the bear, including color, markings, scars, tags, etc. (include photographs or video when possible)

• Date, time, and duration of encounter

• Exact location of encounter documented on map provided by GLBA, to include the latitude/longitude

• Whether visitors encountered dirty campsites left by previous users or observed unsafe or inappropriate behavior by other groups

• Visitor knowledge of how to stay safe while in bear country.

NPS Form 10-407, “NPS Bear Sighting and Encounter Reports”

The questions in this new IC are intended to create a system-wide NPS Bear Sighting and Encounter Reports that can be used to create park-specific reporting forms. Similar to Forms 10-405 and 10-406, submission of NPS Form 10-407 will be voluntary and to report when a bear enters camp, approaches a group, damages gear, obtains food, and/or acts in an aggressive or threatening manner towards a group of visitors. Information collected using NPS Form 10-407 will include:

Topic Areas	Question Category
Visitor and Logistical information	Name and Contact information and backcountry permit of the primary person involved in the interaction? Number of people who encountered or had interaction with the bear? Make and model of car, license plate #, state of vehicle if one was involved? Observer type (unknown, visitor (1st visit, 2nd visit, frequent), firsthand report, secondhand report, concessionaire, contractor, resident, NPS employee, researcher, other)? Incident time, date, location, elevation (GPS location preferred (UTM, Dec. Degrees (NAD 27or 83)))? Today’s time and date? Date delivered to Bear Management Office and via what method (phone, fax, mail)
Visitor Experience: Observation/Encounter	Type of encounter (observation, nuisance, damage-no break-in, damage-break-in, aggressive behavior, bear jam, bear Injury, bear fatality, human injury, human fatality) Type of observation/incident (live animal, sighting, track, den site, dead animal, scat, feed site, other)? Activity of person/people when bear was seen (hiking, camping, flying, biking, driving, picnicking, working, boating, riding a horse etc.)? Was there human contact or injury; (if so required no treatment, first aid, hospitalization, fatal)?
Bear: Activity/Behavior	Activity of bear(s) when seen (walking, digging, running, fishing, bedded, mating, preying on_____, scavenging on_____, grazing, digging at log (etc.)? Where was the bear (off trail, on trial (backcountry, front country), in a campsite (lake, creek, illegal), near chalet or cabin, on or along road, in or near parking lot, in picnic area, in campground, near business, in residential area? Did the bear follow or approach anyone; if so, how long and how far and how close? Did the bear vocalize, charge, swat ground/vegetation? Did the bear acquire unnatural food/garbage (if so, give an estimation of calories,1-1500(e.g., candy bar), 1501-9999(e.g., bag of food), 10,000+ (e.g., entire food locker)
Park Management	What offense led to this encounter (improper food storage, harassing bear, feeding or baiting, crowding bear illegal hunting, general fear of animal, other, none)? Habitat type where observation occurred? How was the trash/food stowed (food locker, unsecured dumpster, building, vehicle interior, personal container, food/trash left out, food hang, renter container, trash bin, vehicle trunk, pannier, vehicle interior, vehicle exterior (e.g., truck bed, inside shell)? If food or trash was left out, why? (Didn’t operate locker properly, no space in locker, unaware food had to be stored, people were afraid of bear, people were away for a short time, didn’t think it would happen to them, forgot, inconvenient, unknown/other) Locker/container/trash bin closed properly, closed improperly, left open, unknown? Container brand/model? Did property damage occur, if so, provide total value estimate (i.e., backpack, tent, vehicle, food, building, ice chest, towed unit, other)?
Bear Identification	Description of bear (adult, cub of year, yearling/subadult, unknown) Species of bear (Unknown. Black, Grizzly) Color of bear (Unknown, blond(white/yellow), light brown, medium brown, dark brown, red brown/cinnamon, grey/silver, black, other)? Sex of bear (male, female, unknown)? Bear was (single animal, female (with cubs of year #___), female (with yearlings #___), female (with two-year-olds #___), two bears of similar size, 3 or more bears of similar size, mating pair? Total Number of Bears? Estimated weight of bear?
Bear Injury/Mortality	Injury/mortality from: (vehicle, NPS management, Non-Management, Poaching, Natural, Unknown)? Injury Location: (RT=Right, LT=Left, FR=Front) (Head, Neck, RT shoulder, LF shoulder, RT Side, LT Side, RT Rump, LF Rump, FR RT Leg, FR RT Paw FR LT Leg, FR LF Leg, Rear RT Leg, Rear RT Paw, Rear LF Leg, Rear LF Paw Putting weight on extremity
How information will be used to:
Bear Management Planning	Examine bear movements, habitat use, and species distribution. backcountry management and planning, field research planning, and educational outreach for visitors Understand how bears respond to people, detect changes in bear behavior, and identify areas of high bear-human conflict Understand how to respond to mitigate further conflicts including notifying other backcountry users, issuing advisories or recommendations, or issuing closures to prevent further conflicts and maintain public safety. Determine if bear management responses such as hazing or aversive conditioning are needed. Determine how to enhance public safety and effectively manage bears and people to minimize conflicts. Create summary statistics (without personal information) examining long-term trends in types and locations of bear-human interactions.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology; e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.

Park visitors are typically in the backcountry for extended periods and the best time to collect this information would be as soon as possible after the encounter. Due to limited access to the internet in the backcountry areas where most bear sightings occur, the forms will be available in hard copy and then transferred to the Bear-Human Information Management System (BHIMS). A QR code will be available to access electronic versions of the form. We expect that park visitors will use the electronic version when they have access to the internet. At this point, we expect that 100% will be submitted via hardcopy.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

There is no duplication of effort. The rationale for a service-wide Bear-sighting and Encounter form is to reduce multiple ICRs from individual parks to collect the same information.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize burden.

This collection has no impact on small business or other small entities.

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

If the information were not collected, NPS would not be able to manage interactions effectively and efficiently between bears and park visitors. The information is only collected when there is a bear sighting or encounter.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

* requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

* requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

* requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

* requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;

* in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

* requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

* that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

* requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

There are no special circumstances that would cause us to collect the information in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and in response to the PRA statement associated with the collection over the past three years, and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every three years — even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

On January 26, 2024, we published in the Federal Register (89 FR 5260) a notice of our intent to request OMB renew this information collection. In that notice, we solicited comments for 60 days, ending on March 26, 2024. We did not receive any comments. In addition to the Federal Register Notice, we contacted nine (9) individuals familiar with this collection and asked for comments. We received comments from three.

We asked respondents to provide feedback on the following questions below:

1. “Whether or not the collection of information is necessary, including whether or not the information will have practical utility; whether there are any questions they felt were unnecessary.”

Comments:

1. Yes, I do not feel that any questions were unnecessary.

2. Not all are needed for front country sightings/ incidents.

3. No

NPS Response/Action Taken: No action required.

B. “The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection of information:

Comments:

1. 5 minutes or less.

2. Not sure what you are asking for here.

3. No

NPS Response/Action Taken: The average time is 5 minutes. No action required.

C. “Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected”

Comments:

1. I cannot think of anyways to make it better. I am appreciative that I could do this over the phone because I am not good at technology.

2. N/A

3. No

NPS Response/Action Taken: The program will pursue the option for a digital form.

D. “Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents”

Comments:

1. I don’t know. I found this method to be very fast.

2. Digital form

3. None at this time

NPS Response/Action Taken: The program will pursue options for a digital form and map option.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

No payment or gift will be made to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

No promise of confidentiality is made, and the forms do not ask for any additional personal information.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

No questions of a personal or sensitive nature are asked.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

* Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

* If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

* Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included under “Annual Cost to Federal Government.”

We estimate that we will receive 500 annual responses totaling 42 annual burden hours (Table 12.1). We estimate the dollar value of the burden hours is $2,074 (rounded). We used the rates listed below following the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) News Release USDL-24-1863¹, June 2024 Employer Costs for Employee Compensation— released September 10, 2024. Table 1 lists the total compensation for Private Individuals as $43.94, including benefits.

Table 12.1 Estimated Annual Hour Burden

Activity	Number of Annual Responses	Completion Time per Response (Minutes)	Total Annual Hours	Hourly Rate incl. Benefits	$ Value of Annual Burden Hours*
NPS Form 10-405 Tatshenshini–Alsek River Bear Report	40	5	3	$43.94	$132
NPS Form 10-406 Glacier Bay Bear Information Management (BIM) Report	10	5	1	$43.94	$44
NPS Form 10-407 National Park Service-wide Bear Management Report	4502	5	38	$43.94	$1,898
Total	500		42		$2,074.

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in item 12.)

* The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information (including filing fees paid for form processing). Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

* If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

* Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

There is no non-hour cost burden associated with this collection.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.

We estimate that the total annual cost to the Federal Government to administer this information collection will be $221,519 (rounded). We used the Office of Personnel Management Salary Table 2024-RUS³ to determine the hourly rates and multiplied the hourly rate by 1.6 to account for benefits following the News Release mentioned above.

Table 14.1 Estimated Annualized Cost to the Federal Government

Position	Grade/Step	Hourly Rate	Hourly Rate including Benefits (x 1.6)	Total Annual Hours	Annual Cost incl. benefits
Supervisor Wildlife Biologist (1)	11/5	$39.40	$63.04	1040	$65,562
Park Ranger (10)	11/5	$39.40	$63.04	1040	$65,562
Dispatchers (5)	07/5	$26.62	$42.59	250	$10,648
Biology Tech	06/5	$23.96	$38.34	2080	$79,747
TOTAL					$221,519

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

Adding the new form to this collection caused a net increase of 450 responses and 38 burden hours.

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

There are currently no plans to publish the information gathered from this collection.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

We are requesting to omit the expiration date. Printing costs will be minimized for long term usage of hard copy forms if the expiration date were omitted. We will display the OMB Control Number.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

There are no exceptions to the certification statement.

1 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm

2 Equals the mean number of current response times the anticipated number of parks (25 x 18)

3 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2024/RUS_h.pdf

- 12 -