Marking behavior of Asiatic black bears at rub trees
We studied the characteristics of the marking behavior of Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) at rub trees. We recorded the tree-marking (tree-rubbing and bark-scratching) and associated (stomping) behaviors in Japan between 2010 and 2015 using automatic cameras and compared the results with those from previous studies on other bear species. We recorded 22 visits to […]
Landscape associations of Asiatic black bears in Kashmir Himalaya, Pakistan
The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is threatened throughout its range and assessed as nationally vulnerable in Pakistan. Habitat degradation and loss, illegal exploitation, and human-bear conflict are key threats to the species, but there is a lack of empirical knowledge regarding its occurrence in Pakistan. In 2012, we conducted a sign survey study to […]
Four approaches for estimating isotope discrimination factors produce contrasting dietary estimates for bears
Isotope diet-tissue discrimination factors can significantly influence dietary proportions estimated with stable isotope mixing models. For bears, for which discrimination factors from controlled dietary experiments are currently lacking for most tissues and diets, literature reports 3 approaches have so far been used to compile carbon and nitrogen discrimination factors, and recently one additional approach has […]
Ecological effects on the nutritional value of bromeliads, and its influence on Andean bears’ diet selection
Previous studies have recognized bromeliads as a key food resource for Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) throughout their range. However, it is still not clear how abundance and especially the nutritional value of bromeliads influence habitat and diet selection. Understanding this is essential because conflicts such as crop damage occur when available natural resources cannot offer […]
Spatial patterns of genetic diversity in eight bear (Ursidae) species
Many of the 8 extant bear species have large ranges, yet range-wide studies of genetic diversity are often impractical because of logistic challenges or focus on local questions. However, understanding the levels of diversity among populations of a species can be useful for conservation and management. Bear researchers were at the forefront of using microsatellites […]
Complete mitochondrial genome of a sun bear from Malaysia and its position in the phylogeny of Ursidae
Whole mitochondrial genome sequences have important applications for phylogenetic inference, population evolution, and population structure. In this study, we sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of a sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) from Peninsular (West) Malaysia using Illumina Miseq technology and used 26 additional mitochondrial genomes from the Ursidae, including 5 sun bears, to generate a phylogeny. […]
American residents’ knowledge of brown bear safety and appropriate human behavior
The popularity of viewing wildlife, specifically brown bears (Ursus arctos), is increasing rapidly throughout North America. In addition, population distributions of both humans and brown bears are expanding, creating larger areas of overlap and increased possibility of human-bear interactions. Unfortunately, many who encounter brown bears may have never received any form of bear safety training […]
Seasonality of Andean Bear Scat Contents in Amazonas, Northeastern Peru
Characterizing a species’ feeding habits has proved key to delimiting critical areas for species conservation. The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), a species of conservation concern, inhabits the montane cloud forest and montane grasslands (jalca) of Amazonas, northeastern Peru. Knowledge of the bear’s diet there is limited. Thus, we aimed to determine whether contents of Andean […]
An apparent case of infanticide in the Asiatic black bear in Japan
Despite being well-researched in several other bear species, the act of infanticide has yet to be documented in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus). We captured video footage of an apparent infanticide event in May 2016 using sensor cameras placed outside the winter den of a known female in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. We observed the presence […]
Spatial analysis of rehabilitated American black bears to assess conflict potential
Analyses of postrelease movements and behaviors may indicate the propensity of rehabilitated American black bears (Ursus americanus) to be involved in human-bear conflicts. We assessed various linear and Euclidean distances and constructed collar duration and seasonal home-range estimates using Dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models to determine whether 28 rehabilitated yearling bears released in North Carolina, […]
