Estimates of Population Density and Growth of Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains

January 1, 1994

Estimates of Population Density and Growth of Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains

To estimate population abundance, data were collected from 1,239 black bears (Ursus americanus) trapped in 3 areas of the Smoky Mountains (SM), 1972-89. Bears were tagged, tattooed, and released, and using the Jolly-Seber open population model, density estimates ranged from 0.09 to 0.35 bears/km2. Year-to-year density estimates and the observed rate of growth (0-2%) indicated a stable to slightly increasing population. The predictions of the population model, BEAR, indicated the importance of hard mast to this population; in years of good mast, the numbers of bears increased, whereas in years of poor or varying mast availability the population declined.

Author(s) Peter K. McLean and Michael R. Pelton
Volume 9
Issue
Pages 253-261
Publication Date 1 January 1994
DOI 10.2307/3872709
File Size 360.08 KB
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