Forty-seven completed and partially dug grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) dens were examined in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, in 1975-76. The following environmental parameters were measured or estimated at most den sites: slope, aspect, altitude, soils, vegetation, snow accumulation, and age. Most environmental parameters studied had low variability. They appeared to be important in relation to dens that were physically stable for at least 1 winter, and where snow accumulation and perhaps thermal inversion contributed to energy conservation within the den. When environmental parameters associated with dens in Banff Park are compared with those found for grizzly/brown bear dens elsewhere, some parameters, such as slope angle and snow accumulation, are similar; others, such as elevation and aspect, are dissimilar. Despite the differences, which appear to be due to local biogeoclimatic factors, a comparison of data from various areas yields a consistent, general picture of the ecology of grizzly bear den sites.
- Volume 4
- Issue
- Pages 321-330
- Publication Date 1 January 1980
- DOI 10.2307/3872887
- File Size 897.43 KB
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