We examined 7 variables from 103 translocations of nuisance grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) to (1) describe the type of bears involved in conflicts, (2) determine factors affecting translocation success, and (3) test the hypothesis that translocation is a feasible method to control mortality of grizzly bears. Males comprised 58% of all translocated bears. The median age of all bears was 3.5 years. and the modal age was 2.5 years. Subadults comprised a significantly greater proportion of the nuisance bear population than the wild population. Residential, livestock, garbage, and apiary oriented offenses represented 46%, 30%, 20%, and 4% of the total, respectively. The success rate of bears > 1.5 years was 44% for first time translocations prior to 1990, and 15% for bears moved > 1 time. Sex was the only variable that significantly predicted success. Females were more likely to be successfully translocated than males except for bears associated with livestock damage. Thirty-eight percent of the translocated bears died within 2 years of translocation. The average cost of a capture and translocation was $1,038.00, not including personnel salaries and administrative costs. An aggressive program focused on preventive action is recommended.
- Volume 9
- Issue
- Pages 567-573
- Publication Date 1 January 1994
- DOI 10.2307/3872745
- File Size 327.11 KB
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