Brown bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi) movements and seasonal range were examined in relation to the temporal and spatial distribution of salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) on southwest Kodiak Island, Alaska, from 1983 to 1987. Salmon were available to bears from late June to mid-December and were utilized by all sex and age classes. From 50-89% of adult females fished at ≥2 separate areas of salmon abundance each year. Mean composite summer range of females tracked 2-5 yrs (108 km2) was much greater than either spring (13 km2) or fall (26 km2) range. Annual summer range of 8 females tracked 4 consecutive years averaged 40 km2; a smaller mean area of primary use (12 km2) reflected a pattern of movement between areas of concentrated food. Females did not restrict their movement patterns in years they were accompanied by new (<1 yr) cubs. Males fished for salmon at the same sites used by females but traveled between those areas more often than females. Annual variation in movement patterns was due apparently to behavioral differences among individual bears as well as yearly fluctuations in berry production, salmon availability, and unknown factors. Important bear feeding areas in this region can be conserved by monitoring salmon escapements together with associated bear use, and by restricting human access at particular sites.
- Volume 8
- Issue
- Pages 305-313
- Publication Date 1 January 1990
- DOI 10.2307/3872933
- File Size 398.42 KB
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