Aggressive sounds were recorded during a confrontation between 2 male polar bears (Ursus maritimus Phipps). These sounds were analyzed for frequency content, envelope, rhythmic patterns, and duration. Nine synthetic versions were generated to simplify, duplicate, or exaggerate components of the original sounds. The behavior of 5 captive polar bears, 2 captive brown bears (U. arctos L.), 13 wild black bears (U. americanus Pallas), and 18 wild polar bears was observed in response to these sounds. One or more of the variants produced a significant repellent effect in each bear tested. We defined a repellent effect as an immediate and rapid movement away from the speaker, with a continued retreat as long as the sound was produced. The effects of these sounds on the heart rate of captive polar bears were measured with an implanted heart-rate transmitter. The 4 sounds with the greatest apparent effect in the field also produced the greatest increases in heart rate in the captive implanted polar bear.
- Volume 4
- Issue
- Pages 85-91
- Publication Date 1 January 1980
- DOI 10.2307/3872848
- File Size 408.99 KB
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