For the first time, this study will quantify various components of
economic value associated with roadside bear viewing in Yellowstone
National Park, utilizing primary data collected in 2009
through a survey of Park visitors. First, background on the methodologies
used, relevant literature, and data collection methods is
presented. Next, demographics and statistics associated with bear
viewing are summarized. The economic impacts of a hypothetical
management decision to no longer allow bears to stay along
roadside habitats are then presented, based on actual non-local
visitor spending from a sample of survey respondents. In addition,
some of the economic benefits associated with roadside bear
viewing in Yellowstone National Park are monetized using results
from a nonmarket valuation willingness-to-pay survey question.
Finally, implications for Park management are discussed.