During winters 1995-2001, Cooperative Alleghany Bear Study (CABS) personnel handled 119 individual adult American black bears (Ursus americanus) and 322 cubs in 198 dens on 2 study areas in western Virginia. Our objective was to determine den-type use and den-type fidelity of adult black bears and their offspring. We located 215 dens of radiocollared bears; 68% were in trees. Ground dens used by bears included nests in laurel (Kalmia latifolia) thickets, excavations, brush piles, and rock cavities. Although the proportion of all bears using tree dens did not differ between our 2 study areas, females used tree dens (65%, n = 127) more often than males on the northern study area. Sex and age were significant factors in determining the type of den a bear selected. Older bears denned in rock cavities more often than expected. Of 66 individual bears handled for 2-6 consecutive years, 38% consistently used tree dens, 12% were faithful to rock cavities, and only 6% regularly used ground dens for denning. Over the 6-year period, 42% switched den types, primarily from tree dens to rock cavities. Rock cavities seemed readily available, yet 68% of marked bears used trees. Bears are hunted by hounds in Virginia during December and January and may use tree dens to reduce the likelihood of detection during the hunting season.
- Volume 13
- Issue
- Pages 39-44
- Publication Date 1 January 2002
- DOI
- File Size 301.28 KB
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