Thirty-three black bear (Ursus americanus) dens were located on the Beartooth Face of south-central Montana during the winters of 1984/85 through 1986/87. Mean slope (28°) and elevation (2,239 m) of den sites did not significantly differ between males and females. Most (61%, N = 33) den sites were located on northerly (northeast, north, and northwest) aspects. Most (71%, N = 16) dens inspected required some form of excavation. In 1986, den entrance began the last week of September and lasted 4-5 weeks. The largest number of bears entered dens between 8-15 October. Twenty and 18% of radio-collared bears abandoned den sites and relocated to new dens during 1985-86 (N = 15) and 1986-87 (N = 11), respectively. Security of dens appeared to be important, especially for females with cubs, and was related to bears denning on high elevation, steep slopes away from disturbance.
- Volume 8
- Issue
- Pages 273-277
- Publication Date 1 January 1990
- DOI 10.2307/3872929
- File Size 235.17 KB
- Download