Split Parturition in a Black Bear

January 1, 1998

Split Parturition in a Black Bear

A 3-year-old black bear (Ursus americanus) captured following initiation of pregnancy was held in captivity from August 1990 through April 1991. Ultrasonic imaging in January 1991 indicated the presence of 3 fetuses. A single fetus was born dead on 12-13 January 1991, and a scat recovered on 10 January 1991 yielded 8 fetal bear claws that were smaller than those of the newborn fetus. It was concluded that a split parturition had occurred in this bear, an event which occurs rarely in any mammal species.

Author(s) Patrick F. Scanlon and Michael R. Vaughan and William E. Beal
Volume 10
Issue
Pages 61-62
Publication Date 1 January 1998
DOI
File Size 64.23 KB
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