Ecology and Behavior of 3 Wild Orphaned Brown Bear Cubs in Spain

We monitored 3 wild brown bear (Ursus arctos) cubs orphaned in July 1991 (approximately 6 months old) in the Cantabrian Mountains over autumn, denning, and den emergence periods, totalling 57 observation days and more than 113 hours time-in-sight. Their diet followed that reported in bear diet studies from the area and included items unknown to them. They denned from 8 December to 18 March and separated in early May 1992, at least 1 year earlier than other litters. Their home range from October 1991 to May 1992 was 0.82 km2. We suggest that they limited themselves to a previously known, small area to maximize their security to the detriment of their feeding opportunities.

  • Author(s) Guillermo Palomero and Juan Carlos Blanco and Pilar Garcia and Gonzalo Palomero
  • Volume 9
  • Issue
  • Pages 85-90
  • Publication Date 1 January 1997
  • DOI 10.2307/3872665
  • File Size 268.91 KB