Table of Contents Ursus 6           

Ayres, Lee Anne, Chow, Leslie S., and Graber, David M. Black bear activity patterns and human induced modifications in Sequoia National Park. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 151-154 ->

Barber, Kim R. and Lindzey, Frederick G. Breeding behavior of black bears. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 129-136 ->Camarra, J. J. Changes in brown bear predation on livestock in the western French Pyrenees from 1968 to 1979. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 183-186->

Claar, James J., Klaver, Robert W., and Servheen, Christopher W. Grizzly bear management on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Montana. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 203-208->

Foresman, Kerry R. and Gagnon, Paul M. Plasma protein profile as an index of pregnancy in the black bear. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 223-226->

Grenfell, William E. and Brody, Allan J. Black bear habitat use in Tahoe National Forest, California. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 65-72->

Hastings, Bruce C., Gilbert, Barrie K., and Turner, David L. Black bear aggression in thebackcountry of Yosemite National Park. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 145-149->

Hazumi, Toshihiro and Maruyama, Naoki. Movements and home ranges of Japanese black bears in Nikko. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 99-101 (no abstract)

Herrero, Stephen, McCrory, Wayne, and Pelchat, Brian. Using grizzly bear habitat evaluations to locate trails and campsites in Kananaskis Provincial Park. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 187-193->

Huber, Djuro and Roth, Hans U. Home ranges and movements of brown bears in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Yugoslavia. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 93-97->

Johnson, Kenneth G., Dearden, Boyd L., and Pelton, Michael R. Computer-assisted managementand analysis of biological data for bears. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 195-201->

Judd, Steven L., Knight, Richard R., and Blanchard, Bonnie M. Denning of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone National Park area. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 111-117->

Kolenosky, George B. The effects of hunting on an Ontario black bear population. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 45-55->

LeCount, A. L. and Baldwin, K. L. The bear in the classroom. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 209-217->

Lindzey, Frederick G., Barber, Kim R., Peters, Rockney D., and Meslow, E. Charles. Responses of a black bear population to a changing environment. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. andManage.  6, 57-63->

Mace, Richard D. and Jonkel, Charles J. Local food habits of the grizzly bear in Montana. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 105-110->

McCullough, Dale R. The Craigheads' data on Yellowstone grizzly bear populations:  relevance to current research and management. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 21-32->

Pelchat, Brian O. and Ruff, Robert L. Habitat and spatial relationships of black bears in boreal mixedwood forest of Alberta. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 81-92->

Picton, Harold D. A possible link between Yellowstone and Glacier grizzly bear populations. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 7-10->

Picton, Harold D. and Knight, Richard R. Using climate data to predict grizzly bear litter size.1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 41-44->

Pulliainen, Erkki. Brown bear immigration into Finland from the east. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 15-20->

Reynolds, Patricia E., Reynolds, Harry V., and Follmann, Erich H. Responses of grizzly bears to seismic surveys in northern Alaska. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 169-175->

Roth, Hans U. and Huber, Djuro. Diel activity of brown bears in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Yugoslavia. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 177-181->

Schoen, John W., Lentfer, Jack W., and Beier, Lavern. Differential distrubution of brown bears on Admiralty Island, southeast Alaska:  a preliminary assessment. 1986. International Conf.Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 1-5->

Smith, Tommy R. Activity and behavior of denned black bears in the Lower Mississippi River Valley . 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 137-143->

Stelmock, Jim J. and Dean, Frederick C. Brown bear activity and habitat use, Denali National Park-1980. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 155-167->

Stringham, Stephen F. Effects of climate, dump closure, and other factors on Yellowstone grizzly bear litter size. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 33-39->

Taylor, Mitchell K. The effect of radio transmitter harnesses on free-ranging polar bears. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 219-221 (no abstract)

Taylor, Mitchell K. Movements of Alaskan polar bears instrumented with satellite transmitters.1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 103-104 (no abstract)

Trevino, Jose C. and Jonkel, Charles. Do grizzly bears still live in Mexico? Int. Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 11-13->

Wathen, William G., Johnson, Kenneth G., and Pelton, Michael R. Characteristics of black bear dens in the Southern Appalachian Region. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 119-127->

Young, D. D. and Beecham, J. J. Black bear habitat use at Priest Lake, Idaho. 1986. International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 73-80 ->

Abstracts

Ayres, Lee Anne, Chow, Leslie S., and Graber, David M. Black bear activity patterns and human induced modifications in Sequoia National Park. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 151-154.   

Abstract:  Activity studies that found black bears to be crepuscular attributed this pattern to their avoiding midday heat (Garshelis 1978) while still using daylight for foraging (Eubanks 1976). Activity levels for bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park were found to decline when temperatures exceeded 20 C° (Quigley et al. 1979).  If bears observed in this study were responding strictly to temperature levels, we would expect to observe increased or prolonged activity on cooler days.  We detected no such relationship based on temperatures at the monitoring sites.  Foraging constraints imposed by herbaceous matter of low digestibility and energy return, requiring 2 temporally separated foraging periods, have also been proposed as an explanation for the midday decline in black bear activity and the presence of 2 active periods (Garshelis and Pelton 1980).  For nursing mothers, the absence of the normal midday decline is likely a function of demands imposed by cubs.  Whether these demands are translated into increased foraging, time spent tending cubs, or in comfort movements we do not know.  The commencement of ursine nocturnal activity in the campgrounds coincided with the decline in human activity and suggested that bears deviate from a diurnal schedule to minimize the chance of human harassment.  A shift from diurnal to nocturnal activity schedules caused by hunting has been observed for game animals such as rabbits (Cloudsley-Thompson 1961).  The extent to which this bear population has been perturbed as a consequence of human food availability is unknown.  It has often been assumed that all bears in the vicinity of campgrounds and similar sites use them as food resources.  This was not true in our study area.  Bears observed foraging only on natural resources and never visiting campgrounds centered their activity away from areas of high human use, even though real distance to campgrounds was small and no physical barriers prevented visits.  Our occasional observation of agonistic interactions between bears in campgrounds during this study suggests that competitve exclusion may be involved in determining foraging habits and activity patterns in the vicinities of campgrounds or other centers of concentrated food resources.  Particularly severe daytime competition in tropical forests has been considered as a factor responsible for the nocturnal habits of some tropical vertebrates (Cloudsley-Thompson 1980). Except in deserts, predation and food availability are probably the most important ecological factors in mammalian diel schedules (Enright 1970). Human intervention through food resource enrichment and harassment invoked a striking functional response in bears, revealing the plasticity of this species' behavior.  Although bears do not always alter their behavior in response to human presence, the great disturbance caused in many instances is enough to justify concern.

Barber, Kim R. and Lindzey, Frederick G. Breeding behavior of black bears. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 129-136.   

Abstract: Movements of radio-collared black bears (Ursus americanus) were documented during the 1980 and 1981 breeding seasons on Long Island, Wash.  Males and females were 1st found in association 21 May 1980 and 10 May 1981 with no associations documented after 5 July 1981 and 2 July 1980.  The peak in breeding associations occurred between 12 and 30 June both years.  Individual females were visited periodically by males for 4-7 week periods during the breeding season.  Most associations were brief, lasting only 0.25-2 hours, presumably as males assessed the estrous stage of a female.  These brief associations preceded and followed extended associations that lasted 2-5.25 days.  These longer associations, believed to be the actual breeding period, were characterized by the pairing of the female with 1 of the 2 dominant males (identified through observations of male/male observations) and frequently the presence of 1 or 2 of the other males.  In these situations the dominant male generally remained closest to the female during the entire period.  The 3 most dominant males were associated with each of the 7 females without cubs in 1981.  The 4th male was associated with 3 of the 7 females.

Camarra, J. J. Changes in brown bear predation on livestock in the western French Pyrenees from 1968 to 1979. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 183-1    

Abstract: As a result of declining populations and habitat loss over the past decades, the Pyrenean brown bear (Ursus arctos pyrenaicus) is limited to 2 isolated populations confined to remote areas of the Pyrenees.  The remnant population in the western French Pyrenees is the largest and best known.  Confronted with the lack of bear population data, we decided to analyze bear predation on livestock data recorded between 1968 and 1979 for insight into recent bear population size and trends.  During the 12-year study we investigated 606 bear attacks in detail.  The investigations were in response to farmer claims for compensation following acts of bear predation on livestock.  During the study period, the number of attacks per year and the range of bear predations decreased gradually.  This decline occurred throughout their range to varying degrees.  This disparity was particularly marked west of the Aspe River in an area where human disturbance is great.

Claar, James J., Klaver, Robert W., and Servheen, Christopher W. Grizzly bear management on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Montana. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 203-208.   

Abstract: Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) inhabit the Mission Mountains on the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana.  Their spring and fall foraging brings them to low elevations (975 m), where they have coexisted with a ranching economy since the 1900s.  The goal of the 1981 Reservation Grizzly Bear Management Plan is to "secure and/or maintain a viable, self-sustaining population in essential habitat occupied in the Mission Mountains."  Bears that prey on livestock are usually removed from the population.  We examined the circumstances of livestock depredations by grizzly bears from 1960 to 1982 and found that subadults and adults of both sexes were involved with depredations.  There are at least 2 factors leading to livestock depredation and "problem" bear status: individual bear behavior and human environment.  Our systematic determination of "problem or nuisance" bear status is crucial, because initiation of bear trapping causes intense public interest and agency commitment.  Selective bear removal has broadened human tolerance, potentially increasing survival of the bear population.  Grizzly bear mortalities from nonhunting causes have been reduced from an annual average of 2.25 bears for 1972-79 to 1.33 bears for 1980-82 after intensive management effort.   

Foresman, Kerry R. and Gagnon, Paul M. Plasma protein profile as an index of pregnancy in the black bear. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 223-226.   

Abstract: We analyzed plasma protein profiles in an attempt to identify physiological parameters associated with pregnancy in black bears (Ursus americanus) that might be used as early confirmation of this reproductive state.  We collected serial blood samples from 2 animals over 3 consecutive fall periods.  Both females were pregnant during the 1st and 3rd years; cubs from the 1st litters were removed early so females were in a non-pregnant, anestrus state during the 2nd year.  We qualitatively analyzed the plasma proteins using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.  Several distinct differences were apparent between samples from pregnant and non-pregnant animals and the protein profile changed during pregnancy as the time of implantation approached.  Results suggest that 1 or more plasma proteins are associated with early stages of pregnancy in the black bear.

Grenfell, William E. and Brody, Allan J. Black bear habitat use in Tahoe National Forest, California. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 65-72.   

Abstract: Four radio-collared female black bears (Ursus americanus) were located 545 times durng 1979 and 1980.  We evaluated bear habitat use in relation to dominant vegetation, canopy closure, crown diameter, and rotten log density by comparing use to availability.  Use of dominant vegetation types by bears was disproportionate to availability in all seasons, reflecting seasonal food availability.  Wet meadows, hardwood, and manzanita habitats were seasonally preferred by bears, and we suggest that protection of these habitats is necessary to maintain the local bear population.

Hastings, Bruce C., Gilbert, Barrie K., and Turner, David L. Black bear aggression in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 145-149.   

Abstract: Nine hundred and ninety-two interactions were recorded between black bears (Ursus americanus) and visitors in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park during 1978-79.  Ursid aggression was observed in less than 6% of the interactions and less than 2% of the total bear behaviors recorded during those interactions.  Running toward and jumping toward visitors constituted more than half of these aggressive behaviors.  Age of visitors and distance between bears and people were 2 of the few factors correlated with bear aggression.  Visitors usually responded to bear aggression with fear or neutrality.  Understanding the circumstances in which black bears become agonistic can help park managers better prepare visitors for encounters. 

Herrero, Stephen, McCrory, Wayne, and Pelchat, Brian. Using grizzly bear habitat evaluations to locate trails and campsites in Kananaskis Provincial Park. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 187-193.   

Abstract: Kananaskis Provincial Park (504 km²) is part of a large outdoor recreation area, Kananaskis Country (approximately 5,200 km²), near the city of Calgary (population 600,000).  Kananaskis Country is undergoing major development for outdoor recreation.  Recently, approximately $225 million have been spent on roading, trails, and facility construction.  The alpine ski events of the 1988 Winter Olympics will be held within the area.  Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) historically ranged throughout Kananaskis Country.  Today they are found in about 75% of the area.  To maintain grizzly bears and to provide for human safety, a transect method of rating grizzly bear habitat use and potential for use was developed and applied.  Four examples are given where information collected in Kananaskis Provincial Park influenced locations of trails or campsites.  The transect method is a rapid method of habitat evaluation but is subject to several limitations, which are discussed. 

Huber, Djuro and Roth, Hans U. Home ranges and movements of brown bears in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Yugoslavia. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 93-97.   

Abstract: Two European brown bears (Ursus arctos) were captured in Plitvice Lake National Park, fitted with radiocollars and tracked for 426 and 198 days. The home ranges used by these bears were 85 km² and 50 km². Daily movements (N = 66) averaged 2.0 km (median = 1.6 km) and ranged from 0.4 to 6.2 km.  These bears spent 37% of their time outside the Park boundaries, in areas where they may be hunted. 

Johnson, Kenneth G., Dearden, Boyd L., and Pelton, Michael R. Computer-assisted management and analysis of biological data for bears. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 195-201.   

Abstract: Statistical Analysis System (SAS) was used to provide continuous inventory, manipulation, and analysis of a wide range of biological information for black bears (Ursus americanus).  We developed a computer-formatted field capture sheet to reduce transcribing effort and encoding errors, and to expedite data access.  The system was flexible, easy to use, and versatile, allowing one to (1) update the data base, (2) detect and allow error correction, (3) handle missing values, (4) sort and combine data into different formats, and (5) produce reports and color graphics.  Programs to locate errors included sorting variables into a formatted output to facilitate visual detection.  The data base can be interfaced with statistical programs (SAS, SPSS), analysis systems for mark-recapture data, and telemetry, habitat, and land-use planning systems.  Using a standardized data system optimizes pre-project planning,consistency, and experimental design considerations for long-term projects.  The SAS format is widely used, readily available, and enhances interdisciplinary interactions.  Computerized data systems facilitate integrated information management for a broad range of research and management objectives and maximum resource input to ensure comprehensive management decisions. 

Judd, Steven L., Knight, Richard R., and Blanchard, Bonnie M. Denning of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone National Park area. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 111-117.   

Abstract: Radiotelemetry was used to locate 101 grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) dens from 1975 to 1980; 35 dens were examined on the ground.  Pregnant females denned in late October, and most other bears denned by mid-November. Duration of denning averaged 113, 132, and 170 days for males, females, and females with new cubs, respectively.  Males emerged from mid-February to late March, followed by single females and females with yearlings and 2-year-olds.  Females with new cubs emerged from early to mid-April.  Den sites were associated with moderate tree cover (26%-75% canopy cover) on 30-60 degree slopes.  Dens occurred on all aspects, although northerly exposures were most common.  Grizzly bears usually dug new dens but occasionally used natural cavities or a den from a previous year.  Males usually dug larger dens than females with young.  Eight excavated and 2 natural dens of the 35 examined dens were used for more than 1 year. 

Kolenosky, George B. The effects of hunting on an Ontario black bear population. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 45-55.   

Abstract: The effects of hunter harvest on a tagged sample of black bears (Ursus americanus) (198 males, 144 females) in east-central Ontario were investigated from 1969 to 1980.  Hunters annually removed an average of 18% of available males and 10% of available females during spring hunts and 5% of available males and 2% of available females during fall hunts. During the 12 year period, hunters shot 32% of all tagged males and 28% of all tagged females.  Mean and maximum elapsed times between tagging and hunter kills were 2.1 and 6 years, respectively, for males and 3.4 and 11 years, respectively, for females.  Males aged 2-6 years were more vulnerable than younger or older males.  For females, 3- to 6-year-olds were more vulnerable than the younger or older age classes.  Females older than age 6 appeared relatively invulnerable, as only 13 of 35 different bears at risk for a total of 292 years were harvested.  Eight of those kills occurred during the final 3 years, when spring hunting pressure on the study area increased by 700% over the 1969 level.  The frequency of movements >20 km between capture and kill sites was greater for males than females.  More males (72%) than females (20%) were killed outside the study area.  The major effects of hunting were to reduce population size and lower the mean age of captured males.  The prolonged period of maturation for black bears in Ontario, and the increased vulnerability of adult females, with increased hunting pressure emphasized the need for conservative provincial harvest quotas. 

LeCount, A. L. and Baldwin, K. L. The bear in the classroom. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 209-217.   

Abstract: Our experiences in Arizona show that the school community provides a valuable way to disseminate bear information. Using this resource to its fullest extent requires cooperation between biologists and educators.  This collaboration will ensure that the product will be biologically sound and useful. The following recommendations should provide the biologist with guidelines on how to initiate a wildlife education program that will allow bear data to be used by students.  Even those already involved in education activities might strengthen their educational activities.  The goal is to get the best bear information possible to as many people as possible. The education of children is 1 additional way.  1. Get to know agency or institution education personnel and recruit their talents.  If such personnel are not available, contact local educators.  A good source of contacts is state or provincial outdoor or environmental education associations or Departments of Education  2. Make sure the wildlife education activity encompasses 1 or 2 basic wildlife concepts while it tells a bear story.  3. Make sure the program is educational, not just informational. 4. Consider using or modifying existing activities with your bear data rather than reinventing the wheel.                                       5. Programs should be multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary. 6. Incorporate teacher training when possible because teachers are a vital link with an interested, informed, and potentially powerful group (school children). 7. Develop materials for all age groups but concentrate on kindergarten through 6th grade.  More can be accomplished with this age group because it has the least bias against bears. 8. Programs should be approached from a systems point of view.  They should directly, or at least indirectly, demonstrate the interrelatedness of all aspects of the environment.  9. Problem-oriented activities should be challenging but not impossible to solve.  They should also incorporate various points of view (e.g., economical, cultural, ecological, ethical, or political). 10. Above all, develop activities that directly involve participants in the learning process.  Remember:  I hear and I forget; I see and remember; I do and I understand. 

Lindzey, Frederick G., Barber, Kim R., Peters, Rockney D., and Meslow, E. Charles. Responses of a black bear population to a changing environment. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 57-63.   

Abstract: Black bear (Ursus americanus) population dynamics on Long Island in Willapa Bay, Washington, were monitored between 1973 and 1982.  The population apparently grew from a small nucleus of bears present after major logging efforts stopped in 1968 to a peak of 33-36 bears over 1 year of age in 1975-76.  Twenty-two bears remained on the island in the spring of 1982.  Successional changes in plant communities in clear-cut areas altered their food value to bears through this period.  By 1976 female progeny were generally no longer accepted into the breeding population and population productivity began to decline.  Each of 5 radio-collared adult females raised young to 9 months of age in 1974 or 1975, whereas only 3 of 11 were successful in 1981 or 1982.  Observations of marked bears and ages of trapped bears also documented the decline in production.  By 1980 some resident bears began to include parts of the mainland in their home areas.  Changes in size, productivity, and behaviors of this population illustrate the mechanisms employed by black bears in response to ephemeral habitats. 

Mace, Richard D. and Jonkel, Charles J. Local food habits of the grizzly bear in Montana. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 105-110.   

Abstract: Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) scats were collected from 4 western Montana study areas from 1976 to 1979 to determine differences in food item selection.  Fruit was important to grizzly bears in all areas although the species consumed and the apparent degree of use varied.  Globe huckleberry (Vaccinium globulare) was important to grizzly bears in the North and South forks of the Flathead River but was rarely eaten in other areas.  Domestic apples (Malus spp.) and plums (Prunus spp.) were eaten extensively by Mission Mountain grizzly bears.  Grasses and sedges were a staple food to bears in all areas; variable use of Umbelliferae was found.  The nuts of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) were eaten extensively by East Front grizzly bears only, and biscuit-root (Lomatium spp.) roots were dug to varying degrees in all areas. Yellow hedysarum (Hedysarum sulphurescens) roots were an important spring and autumn food to North Fork grizzly bears only.  Horsetails (Equisetum spp.), clover (Trifolium spp.), and dandelions (Taraxacum spp.) were important in all areas throughout the grizzly bears' active period.  These data suggest that substantial local variation occurs in grizzly bear food habits in Montana.  These differences should be considered in land management plans that call for maintenance or enhancement of grizzly bear habitat. 

McCullough, Dale R. The Craigheads' data on Yellowstone grizzly bear populations:  relevance to current research and management. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 21-32.   

Abstract: Various interpretations of the Craighead team data on Yellowstone grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are reviewed.  The Craigheads continue to favor a noncompensatory model that gives the greatest likelihood of population extinction with an increased mortality rate.  McCullough (1981) found that recruitment of cubs and survivorship of juveniles were influenced by adult population size.  Stringham (1983) reached most of the same conclusions by different methods.  McCullough (1981), Stringham (1983), and Shaffer (1978, 1983) all reported negative relationships between adult population size (or adult males only) and percent of females producing litters and mean litter size.  Time lags in the density-dependent effect of adults on cub recruitment were treated by Avrin (1976) with slightly different results.  All authors have emphasized the susceptibility of grizzly bear populations to overexploitation, although the impact varies with model assumptions.  Shaffer (1978, 1983) examined stochastic variables as they influence minimum viable population size.     A congruence analysis was done for the McCullough (1981) model in which parameters were run in model simulations to test model responses to observed results for the years of the Craighead study.  This analysis reaffirmed the oscillatory behavior of the population and showed that oscillatory behavior decreased as the adult mortality rate increased. Great fluctuations in population parameters make assessment of the current status of the population difficult.  An alternate strategy of long-term population monitoring and management based on a systematized aerial count of minimum unduplicated bears is proposed. 

Pelchat, Brian O. and Ruff, Robert L. Habitat and spatial relationships of black bears in boreal mixedwood forest of Alberta. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 81-92.   

Abstract: Habitat and spatial relationships of 47 radio-collared black bears (Ursus americanus) were studied in 1975 and 1976 on 218 km² of boreal mixedwood forest in east-central Alberta.  Mean sizes of areas occupied by bears were larger (P<0.05) in 1976 when food was scarce than in 1975 when food was abundant; 102 km² and 39 km² in 1976 compared to 65 km² and 19 km² in 1975 for males and females, respectively.  Bears engaged 2 types of excursionary movements away from areas in which they were usually located.  Short-range excursions occurred throughout the non-denning period, typically did not exceed 10 km in distance and 4 days in duration, and resulted in an expansion of areas occupied by bears when natural foods were scarce.  Long-range excursions occurred during late summer and fall each year, averaged 23 km in distance and 47 days in duration, and were apparently a response to annual changes in the distribution of preferred foods.  Home ranges of females, exclusive of short-range excursions, were generally stable in size and location each year regardless of food abundance.  Scat analyses indicated the most important food-bearing plants were vetchling (Lathyrus  sp.), wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), blueberry (Vaccinium myrtilloides) and hazelnut (Corylus cornuta).  Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands were the most abundant and important food-producing cover type because it contained foods eaten by bears during all seasons, whereas muskeg was the poorest food-producing cover type.  Adult females selected aspen (P<0.05) and avoided muskeg (P<0.05) when natural foods were scarce; use of cover types reflected availability when natural foods were abundant.  No differences were evident in the use of cover types by females with cubs and those without cubs.  Adult males selected aspen (P<0.05) and avoided muskeg (P<0.05) each year regardless of food availability, and avoided jack pine (Pinus banksiana, P<0.05) when blueberries were scarce there.

Picton, Harold D. A possible link between Yellowstone and Glacier grizzly bear populations. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 7-10.   

Abstract: Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) have been observed in 5 of the 7 mountain areas that link the Northern Continental Divide (Glacier Park) and Yellowstone ecosystem grizzly bear populations in Montana.  Thus these 2 populations, recognized by the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan (U.S. Dep. 1986  International 1981) are possibly linked by a filter bridge.  Portions of this bridge are not included in the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan.  Current data is analyzed to make specific estimates of the population potential of the bridge units.  Each unit is evaluated with respect to extinction time, migration, and potential as a viable bridge link using methods based upon biogeographic theory.  This analysis suggests that these scattered observations should not be routinely classed as accidental and ignored as is currently the case.

Picton, Harold D. and Knight, Richard R. Using climate data to predict grizzly bear litter size. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 41-44.   

Abstract: A 5-year double-blind test was conducted to test the predictive capability of a previously published (Picton 1978) regression (Y = 2.01 + 0.042x), which described the relationship between the litter size of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and an index of climate plus carrion availability (climate-carrion index).  This regression showed an efficiency in excess of 99% in predicting the observed grizzly bear litter size.  The predictions made using the climate-carrion index had a mean absolute error of less than 25% of forecasts using other methods. The updated climate-carrion index regression, which includes all of the 16 years for which data are available, is Y = 2.009 + 0.042x (r = 0.78; P < 0.01; N = 16).  We concluded that the climate-carrion index can be a helpful tool in predicting grizzly bear litter size.  The relation of this information to the effects of the closure of Yellowstone Park garbage dumps is discussed. 

Pulliainen, Erkki. Brown bear immigration into Finland from the east. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 15-20.   

Abstract: The dispersal of a brown bear (Ursus arctos) population in northern Europe was studied from 1968 to 1982 with the help of the Finnish Border Patrol Establishment and local hunters.  Bears immigrated to Finland in the 1970s and early 1980s from the saturated Soviet Karelian population. Continued immigration from Soviet Karelia into Finnish Northern Karelia, Kainuu, and Koillismaa caused the bears to move through the inland areas of Finland, some crossing the entire country from east to west.  Bears also appeared in the southeastern frontier area of Finland, and some immigration was recorded from the Kola Peninsula into eastern Finnish Lapland.  From 1969 to 1981, 682 more bears immigrated to Finland, mainly from South Karelia, than emigrated.  During this period at least 456 bears were killed in Finland; the number of bears in Finland thus increased by about 200 (to 300-350).  The bears killed in eastern Finland were predominantly males, 64.1% in 1960-81, and the proportion of cubs killed was 17.8%.  It is assumed that intraspecific aggressiveness (leading especially to subadult dispersal) results in emigration, the males being more mobile than the females. 

Reynolds, Patricia E., Reynolds, Harry V., and Follmann, Erich H. Responses of grizzly bears to seismic surveys in northern Alaska. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 169-175.   

Abstract: Responses of denning grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) to noise associated with winter seismic surveys and small fixed-wing aircraft were studied on the north slope of Alaska during the years 1978-81.  Changes in signal amplitude and collar temperature were monitored in 4 bears denned near seismic lines.  Heart rates monitored by implanted transmitters, were measured in 1 of these bears and in a 2nd bear not subjected to seismic exploration activities.  None of the bears left their dens as a result of seismic exploration activities.  In undisturbed midwinter conditions, heart rates of 2 denned bears ranged 12-26 beats/min, but rose to 30-50 beats/min for brief periods at least once or twice in 24 hours.  Signal amplitudes and coller temperatures, monitored in 1 bear, did not vary. During 3 days when seismic crews were working near 1 den, changes in signal amplitude and collar temperatures, accompanied by increases in heart rate to a maximum of 64 beats/min, indicated that the bear moved several times.  Heart rates of 2 bears recorded during midwinter overflights were the same as those measured in midwinter from the ground in undisturbed conditions.  About the time of emergence, heart rates were higher than those recorded in midwinter and during undisturbed resting behavior in mid-June.

Roth, Hans U. and Huber, Djuro. Diel activity of brown bears in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Yugoslavia. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 177-181.   

Abstract: We obtained 2,757 radiotelemetry activity readings, at 15-min intervals, from 2 brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Plitvice Lakes National Park.  In late fall, while still with her family group, a yearling female was active during the day, but became nocturnal after her mother disappeared the following year.  Her main rest period was from 0800 to 1600 hours, with a secondary rest period around midnight.  An adult male followed a similar nocturnal schedule (Jul-Oct 1982 data only).  Both bears were active 50%-60% of the time between July and October, 40% of the time in November and December, and 5% of the time in the winter den (Feb 1982, female only).

Schoen, John W., Lentfer, Jack W., and Beier, Lavern. Differential distrubution of brown bears on Admiralty Island, southeast Alaska:  a preliminary assessment. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 1-5.   

Abstract: Twenty brown bears (Ursus arctos) radio-tracked on Admiralty Island in southeast Alaska for 2-13 months were not uniformly distributed during summer in lower-elevation tidal and riparian habitats.  These findings differ from the assumption of uniform summer distribution.  Our data suggest that a segment of the population remains in upper-elevation interior regions and does not use anadromous salmon (Onchorynchus spp.) streams during the summer.

Smith, Tommy R. Activity and behavior of denned black bears in the Lower Mississippi River Valley . 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 137-143.   

Abstract: From 1979 to 1982, dormancy behaviors of black bears (Ursus americanus) were studied in a bottomland hardwood forest in Arkansas, an area with relatively mild winters.  Mean activity level of radio-collared bears declined from 53% to 29% between mid-October and early December, before the denning period began.  In 40 of 42 (95%) cases, bears denned for extended periods, ranging from 37 to 141 days.  The transition to dormancy began before den entry, and a shift in behavior toward activity commenced before den emergence.  Mean level of activity of denned bears (5.5%) was significantly lower than that of bears before denning (37%) and following den emergence (34%).  Most activities of denned bears were momentary movements.  Activity bouts occurred at a mean rate of 1.8/hour, but short bouts often appeared in series and probably were parts of longer activity periods.  Most bears observed in dens were in a hibernating posture and did not react to my presence.  Nine of 14 cases of den abandonment were attributed to research activities, 4 to flooding, and 1 case was unexplained.  The likelihood of den abandonment was related to the timing of disturbances in relation to den entry and to den type.  Dormancy behaviors of black bears in Arkansas are similar to those reported in other portions of the species' range. Differential denning chronology and probability of den abandonment between geographic regions may be explained by phenological development and exposure of denned bears, respectively.

Stelmock, Jim J. and Dean, Frederick C. Brown bear activity and habitat use, Denali National Park-1980. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 155-167.   

Abstract: Brown bears (Ursus arctos) were observed in 2 alpine areas in Denali National Park, Alaska, in 1980.  The dispersion and variety of habitat types and seasonal changes in food availability influenced use of the areas by brown bears.  The presence of mated pairs apparently excluded family units.  Habitat use and activities of bears were influenced by the phenological development of crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), peavine (Hedysarum alpinum), horsetail (Equisetum arvense), polar grass (Arctagrostis latifolia), soapberry (Shepherdia canadensis), and availability of animal food items.

Stringham, Stephen F. Effects of climate, dump closure, and other factors on Yellowstone grizzly bear litter size. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 33-39.   

Abstract: Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in Yellowstone National Park fed heavily on garbage at open-pit dumps from about 1895 until the dumps were closed in 1968-71.  Concurrent with dump closure, mean cub litter size declined 17%.  Almost 20% of the decline was associated with coincidental worsening of the climate and nearly 80% with closure.  Impacts of closure may have been compounded by the simultaneous increase in adult male abundance, to which litter size was negatively correlated.

Trevino, Jose C. and Jonkel, Charles. Do grizzly bears still live in Mexico? Int. Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 11-13.   

Abstract: EDITED DISCUSSION - p.12 - The evidence we found (tracks, claw marks), the bear we observed, and our review of historical data suggest that grizzly bear may still be present in Mexico.  Jonkel (1980) in his final conclusions and recommendations, based on available data and a broad understanding of grizzly bear biology, concluded that "evidence is strong that grizzlies may persist in Mexico."  We concur that grizzly bears may still exist in Mexico.  We base our conclusions on the following key points:  1) Brown bear populations elsewhere demonstrate a special ability to remain viable even though isolated and at low population levels (Elgmork 1978).  2) The longevity of grizzly bears (20-25 years in the wild) and the relatively recent records of grizzly bears in Mexico means that a few survivors could still exist, even if a viable population is not present.  3) Because of their remarkable ability to use cover, grizzly bears could survive without being detected.  4) Several likely areas for grizzly bears in Mexico have not been studied.  5) Grizzly bear habitat is adequate and abundant in Mexico.  Jonkel (1980) cited the remoteness and isolation of the area, the good quality and abundance of available habitat, and the intelligence and wariness of grizzly bears as further evidence that grizzly bears may still exist in this region.  Although no recent, confirmed records exist for vast areas of potential habitat, no studies have focused on these areas and disproved the existance of grizzly bears within them.  

Wathen, William G., Johnson, Kenneth G., and Pelton, Michael R. Characteristics of black bear dens in the Southern Appalachian Region. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage.  6, 119-127.   

Abstract: Dens of radio-instrumented black bears (Ursus americanus) were examined in the southern Appalachian Mountains from 1973 to 1982.  Most dens were in tree cavities high above ground.  Entrance height differed among tree species with high entrances in yellow poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera) and low entrances in chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), red maple (Acer rubrum), and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis).  Den tree species differed with elevation, macrotopography, and microtopography.  Both tree dens and ground dens were characterized by high microtopograpic position. Chestnut oaks and northern red oaks (Q. rubra) comprised 10 of 15 tree dens in the exterior of the study area.  Extensive use of these 2 species indicates the importance of incorporating site provisions into timber management plans in the Southern Appalachian Region.

Young, D. D. and Beecham, J. J. Black bear habitat use at Priest Lake, Idaho. 1986  International Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 6, 73-80.   

Abstract: We studied black bear (Ursus americanus) habitat use patterns in northern Idaho from June 1980 to November 1981.  Habitat availability was estimated with a random-dot technique and habitat use was determined from 676 radio locations of 9 adult bears (5 female, 4 male).  Black bears preferred selectively logged areas during spring, summer, and fall; clearcuts were avoided during all seasons.  Habitat selection differed significantly between sexes.  Female black bears preferred timber habitats and avoided roads; males used timber and roads in proportion to their availability.