Seasonal Nutrition of Black Bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

January 1, 1983

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We sampled 86 composites of 646 scats collected at 2-week intervals during 1976 and 1977 and identified 5 seasonal patterns of food use by black bear (Ursus americanus) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plant material composed 80% of the diet, and animal remains, mostly insects, were 12%. Major plant food items were identified. Crude protein and acid-detergent-fiber content of major food items were determined and nutritional value of each seasonal diet was evaluated. The early spring diet was of low nutritional value and bears lost weight during spring. The late spring, summer, and early fall diets were conducive to growth of bears because readily available energy and high-quality proteins were consumed. The late fall diet, high in available energy, led to rapid increase in weights of bears.

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