Active American black bear dens adjacent to a marine beach used for foraging

Hibernation and denning are essential to American black bears (Ursus americanus) throughout much of their range. Although den structure varies, it is generally agreed that dens provide the important functions of shelter and safety (Davis 1996). In coastal Alaska, studies indicate that most black bears den in upland areas and largely relied on large or old-growth trees (Erickson 1982, Hanson 1988). Studies of coastal areas that did not include shoreline habitats in Alaska and British Columbia (BC) suggest that black bears often den in upland areas or on slopes (e.g. Miller 1990, Davis 1996). Here, we report the opportunistic discovery of active black bear dens directly adjacent to a beach used for foraging.

• Author(s) Caroline H. Fox and Paul C. Paquet and Thomas E. Reimchen
• Volume 21
• Issue 2
• Pages 195-197
• Publication Date 1 November 2010
• DOI 10.2192/09sc026.1
• File Size 866.65 KB
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