Home range and movement patterns of 17 radiocollared adult black bears (Ursus americanus) were determined from approximately 2,000 radio-locations obtained between January 1973 and December 1976 in northeastern Pennsylvania. Total home range size averaged 173 km2 for males and 41 km2 for females. Females traveling with offspring used larger areas than solitary females. Seasonal variations in home range and movement patterns were extensive. Maximum home range size and maximum daily movements of adult males and breeding females occurred during the June and July breeding season, whereas home range size and movements of females with cubs increased from spring through summer, peaking in September. Monthly home range size and distance between daily sequential locations were directly related (R^2φ 0.74) indicating that as bears increase their home range size they also become more mobile. Home ranges for both sexes appeared to be geographically stable both on an annual and seasonal basis.
- Volume 4
- Issue
- Pages 131-136
- Publication Date 1 January 1980
- DOI 10.2307/3872856
- File Size 251.50 KB
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