Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) conservation in the Cabinet/Yaak grizzly bear ecosystem (CYE) is an example of intensive efforts with a small population of approximately 30 individuals. The ecosystem is located in northwest Montana and northern Idaho and encompasses more than 6,800 km2. The Yaak area adjoins bear habitat in Canada and is connected to Cabinet Mountains habitat by two 12-km wide corridors across the Kootenai River. Grizzly bear research was conducted in the Cabinet Mountains from 1983 to 1988 to determine habitat use and status of the population. The study concluded that the probability of the loss of this population (n < 15) in the next few decades was high. The study recommended that the population be augmented with transplants. A test of grizzly bear augmentation in the Cabinet Mountains began in 1990 to determine if transplanted bears would remain and reproduce. Four subadult female bears (2-6 years old) from southeast British Columbia were transplanted to the Cabinet Mountains during 1990-94. Research to examine population status, habitat use, and relations to human activities such as road building and timber harvest in the Yaak portion of the CYE began in 1986. Trapping resulted in the capture of 13 individuals. Trap nights required to capture a grizzly bear in the Yaak area were about 15% of that in the Cabinet Mountains. Though numbers of bears in the Yaak area may be small (n = 15-20), that subpopulation appears to be stable or increasing. Grizzly bear recovery goals for population demographic parameters, habitat management, and mitigation for mine development are discussed.
- Volume 10
- Issue
- Pages 147-153
- Publication Date 1 January 1998
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- File Size 311.28 KB
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