In Montana, the study of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) and their habitat in areas proposed for oil and gas exploitation is in the beginning stages, with few base-line data available for predevelopment guidelines. A review of literature on grizzly bears indicates that exploration and development will be generally detrimental to the bears. Construction of roads into previously unroaded areas and increased use of the land by people appear to have the greatest impacts. Problems of man-bear confrontations in the Alaska pipeline experience include nonresidents' difficulties coping with resident wildlife species, illegal shooting of animals, attraction of animals to garbage at field camps, and harassment from aircraft and other motorized vehicles. Conflicts with grizzly bears prior to development of oil and gas must be determined in order to assess the effects of resource exploitation, including the cumulative influence of various land uses. Habitat essential for the survival of the grizzly bear must be identified and protected. If development occurs in areas of occupied grizzly bear habitat before adequate management data for grizzly bears are available, it should proceed cautiously, thus preventing irreversible damage to the habitat and the bear populations. If full development, is unavoidable, restrictions should be placed on road-building, exploration, wells, fuel production, and associated activities, especially at times when grizzly bears make heavy use of a locality.
- Volume 4
- Issue
- Pages 271-276
- Publication Date 1 January 1980
- DOI 10.2307/3872880
- File Size 380.94 KB
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