Comparative Ecology of Black and Grizzly Bears on the Rocky Mountain Front, Montana

FileAction
1994.9--365-374.pdfDownload
  • Version
  • Download 10
  • File Size 522.80 KB
  • Create Date 1 January 1994

Seven black bears (Ursus americanus) were radiomonitored during 1981-84 in conjunction with a long-term study of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos). Grizzly and black bear food habits, home ranges, habitat use, and denning habits were compared within the composite home range of all radio-instrumented black bears. Trapping effort per capture for each species was compared in 6 bear management units for the period 1980-87. Differences in habitat use and denning habitat were evident. Black bears used the forested habitats more frequently than did grizzlies. Grizzly bears utilized riparian and open habitat components habitats more frequently than did black bears. Grizzly bear dens were on steeper slopes and at higher elevations than black bear dens. Subtle differences in food habits were detected. Less effort was necessary to capture black bears in bear management units with lower grizzly densities. Grizzly bears avoided habitats within 300 m of open roads while black bears avoided habitats within 100 m of open roads.