Rub-tree selection by Andean bears in the Peruvian dry forest
To advance our knowledge on the rubbing behavior of Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus), we assessed characteristics of their rub-trees in the Peruvian tropical dry forest, where water is a rare and critical resource. We registered characteristics of rubbed and unrubbed trees and shrubs along bear trails in an area of approximately 100 km² surrounding 7 […]
Grizzly bear consumption of midges in Yellowstone National Park
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) are omnivore generalists that eat a wide array of plants and animals, including insects. Human-induced changes in climate may affect the species composition, abundance, range, and elevational distribution of the plants and animals consumed by grizzly bears. Therefore, determining the current food habits of grizzly bears is important for documenting future […]
Mitochondrial DNA reveals low genetic diversity in Ecuadorian Andean bears
Few studies have analyzed the genetics of Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) populations through the use of the hypervariable D-Loop mitochondrial region. This approach can be useful for the assessment of genetic diversity and ancestral lineages. In the present study we evaluate the genetic status of an Andean bear population in northern Ecuador using D-loop mtDNA […]
Influence of attitudes toward wildlife on preferences for management of American black bears
Applying an integrative approach incorporating attitudes toward wildlife in general and toward a specific species (American black bear [Ursus americanus]) can help land managers make decisions about the complex issue of human-bear interactions. The purpose of our study was to (1) assess park visitors’ attitudes toward wildlife, black bears, and possible management actions related to […]
American black bear den-site selection and characteristics in an urban environment
Selection of den sites is a crucial aspect of American black bear (Ursus americanus) life history. High-quality dens provide thermal insulation, protection from disturbance, suitable environment for parturition and cub development, and proximity to available forage upon emergence. Black bears are increasingly coexisting with people in human-dominated landscapes; however, little is known about whether urban […]
Water availability limits brown bear distribution at the southern edge of its global range
Large carnivores are among the most threatened species in the world because of their natural low densities and need for expansive habitats. The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the largest carnivore in the southwestern Asia, and faces threats in much of its range from conflict with humans over shared resources and shrinkage of habitat. In […]
Statistical population reconstruction to evaluate grizzly bear trends in British Columbia, Canada
Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) populations are costly to monitor by traditional survey methods. In British Columbia, Canada, hunter kill data are available and provide relatively inexpensive information that possibly can be used to estimate trends in hunted populations. We applied statistical population reconstruction (SPR) using Program PopRecon 2.0 to evaluate trends in abundance of ≥3-year-old […]