Black bear (Ursus americanus) activities in southeastern North Carolina were determined by radiotelemetry, trapping success, track counts, seat collections, and hunter harvests from May 1974 to January 1977. All data indicated that bear activity decreased progressively in autumn. The only significant winter movement was by males, 3 years old and younger. Four bears denned on the ground in dense Carolina bay vegetation. One adult female denned in a bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) with an entrance cavity approximately 25 m above the water. The earliest date for denning by radio-monitored bears was 5 December and latest emergence was 22 April. five bears remained inactive for periods ranging from 85 to 113 days, averaging 102. An adult male had the shortest period of inactivity. Two subadult males remained active throughout the midwinter. Postdenning movements gradually increased and reached a peak during breeding season in June and July.
- Volume 4
- Issue
- Pages 121-126
- Publication Date 1 January 1980
- DOI 10.2307/3872854
- File Size 259.28 KB
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