Twenty-nine radio-collared female black bears (Ursus americanus) were tracked to 48 den sites during winters 1988-89 and 1989-90, in the Ouachita and Ozark mountains of Arkansas, to study den selection and habitat. Bears on both areas used rock cavity dens most often (66.6%), followed by excavations (12.5%), clearcuts (12.5%), open nests (4.2%), and tree cavities (4.2%). Multivariate models detected significant habitat component differences among rock, excavation, and clearcut dens (P < 0.05). Black bears selected dens that were physically different, but functionally similar. Rock cavity dens occurred on steep slopes, within structurally secure cavities, far from external disturbances. Excavation and clearcut dens lacked permanent structure, but security was compensated by dense understory vegetation and increased horizontal cover. It is not known if survival was also compensated at excavation and clearcut dens; this question should be addressed so reliable information on the relationship between den-type availability and cub production and survival can be incorporated into bear management plans.
- Volume 9
- Issue
- Pages 411-418
- Publication Date 1 January 1994
- DOI 10.2307/3872727
- File Size 333.44 KB
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