Habitat of black bears (Ursus americanus) in the eastern United States has been substantially altered by increases in human populations and associated habitat change. Radio telemetry has been the primary technique used in examining the effects of development on bears. However, most state agencies do not have the resources necessary to collect long-term telemetry data, but do routinely collect annual harvest data to monitor trends in their bear populations. We investigated the potential use of annual harvest data for assessing impacts of habitat alteration on local bear abundance. We compared bear harvests within townships of New Hampshire to changes in human populations, road densities, and land-use patterns during 1961-84. Harvests tended to be negatively related to human-population density, roads in town, roads subject to bars and gates, and developed land. Harvests tended to be positively related with national forest roads and agricultural land. Comparisons of long-term harvest data with human demographic variables also may provide baseline information on threshold densities of human demographic variables that affect local bear abundance. However, before accurate conclusions can be reached, additional information is required to improve the sensitivity of the harvest data. We recommend that wildlife managers index hunter effort, monitor the availability of major foods used by bears, and verify the exact location of each bear kill.
- Volume 9
- Issue
- Pages 275-281
- Publication Date 1 January 1994
- DOI 10.2307/3872711
- File Size 341.94 KB
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