Dissertations / Theses: 'Black bear Black bear Black bear DNA'

1

Costello, Cecily Marie. "The spatial ecology and mating system of black bears (Urus americanus) in New Mexico." Thesis, Montana State University, 2008. http://etd.lib.montana.edu/etd/2008/costello/CostelloC0808.pdf.

Full text

Abstract:

In summary, our results show that high rates of male dispersal and female philopatry combine to create a spatial genetic structure that generates low rates of inbreeding and little need for kin discrimination among potential mates. Thus, evidence supports the hypothesis that inbreeding avoidance is achieved by means of male-biased dispersal in black bears. Our results also suggest the general pattern of male-biased dispersal is modified by competition for mates or resources.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Hudson, Corey M. Lyman R. Lee. "Mitochondrial ancient DNA analysis of Lawson cave black bears (Ursus americanus)." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri--Columbia, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/6465.

Full text

Abstract:

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on Feb 17, 2010). The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file. Thesis advisor: Dr. R. Lee Lyman. Includes bibliographical references.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Wills, Johnny. "DNA-based hair sampling to identify road crossings and estimate population size of black bears in Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/34932.

Full text

Abstract:

The planned widening of U.S. Highway 17 along the east boundary of Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GDSNWR) and a lack of knowledge about the refugeâ s bear population created the need to identify potential sites for wildlife crossings and estimate the size of the refugeâ s bear population. I collected black bear hair in order to collect DNA samples to estimate population size, density, and sex ratio, and determine road crossing locations for black bears (Ursus americanus) in GDSNWR in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. I also investigated bear/vehicle collisions to determine patterns of road crossing.

Genetic analysis of 344 hair samples collected on 2 trapping grids identified 85 unique individuals which I used in a mark-recapture analysis. Estimated population size on the trapping grids was 105 bears (95% CI = 91-148) and average density was 0.56 bears/km2. This density estimate projected over the entire Great Dismal Swamp ecosystem yielded a population estimate of 308 bears (550 km2 X 0.56 bears/km2). Similar population estimates generated by Hellgren (1988), Tredick (2005), and this study suggest a stable bear population in the Great Dismal Swamp ecosystem over a 20-year period.

I erected a 2.3-kilometer long strand of barbed wire along U. S. Highway 17 to monitor road crossing patterns near the Northwest River drainage. Genetic analysis identified 6 bears (4 males, 1 female, 1 unknown) that apparently crossed the highway in a 10-month period. Five of 6 bears deposited hair in a 171-m section which included the Northwest River corridor. The 6 bears detected crossed the road at least 11 times.

I investigated 10 reports of bear/vehicle collisions on the periphery of the refuge from June 2000 to May 2002. Six bears (4M:1F:1 unknown) were confirmed killed during this time period. Based on reported bear/vehicle collisions from Hellgren (1988), the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries database, and this study, a minimum of 4 to 5 bears are struck by vehicles each year on the periphery of the refuge. I identified 2 areas of multiple bear/vehicle collisions: highway 58 on the north side of the refuge near Hampton Airport and Highway 17 on the eastern side of the refuge in the vicinity of the Northwest River corridor.
Master of Science

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Fusaro, Jonathan L. "Estimating Baseline Population Parameters of Urban and Wildland Black Bear Populations Using a DNA-Based Capture -Mark-Recapture Approach in Mono County, California." DigitalCommons@USU, 2014. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/3706.

Full text

Abstract:

Prior to European settlement, black bear (Ursus americanus) were far less abundant in the state of California. Estimates from statewide harvest data indicate the California black bear population has tripled in the last 3 decades. Bears inhabit areas they formally never occurred (e.g., urban environments) and populations that were at historically low densities are now at high densities. Though harvest data are useful and widely used as an index for black bear population size and population demographics statewide, it lacks the ability to produce precise estimates of abundance and density at local scales or account for the numerous bears living in non-hunted areas. As the human population continues to expand into wildlife habitat, we are being forced to confront controversial issues about wildlife management and conservation. Habituated bears living in non-hunted, urban areas have been and continue to be a major concern for wildlife managers and the general public. My objective was to develop DNA-based capture-mark-recapture (CMR) survey techniques in wildland and urban environments in Mono County, California to acquire population size and density at local scales from 2010 to 2012. I also compared population density between the urban and wildland environment. To my knowledge, DNA-based CMR surveys for bears have only been implemented in wildland or rural environments. I made numerous modifications to the techniques used during wildland DNA-based CMR surveys to survey bears in an urban environment. I used a higher density of hair-snares than typically used in wildland studies, non-consumable lures, modified hair-snares for public safety, included the public throughout the entire process, and surveyed in the urban-wildland interface as well as the city center. These methods were efficient and accurate while maintaining human safety. I determined that there is likely a difference in population density between the urban and wildland environments. Population density was 1.6 to 2.5 times higher in the urban study area compared to the wildland study area. Considering the negative impacts urban environments can have on wildland bear populations, this is a serious management concern. The densities I found were similar to those found in other urban and wildland black bear populations. The baseline data acquired from this study can be used as part of a long-term monitoring effort. By surveying additional years, population vital rates such as apparent survival, recruitment, movement, and finite rate of population change can be estimated.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Reynolds, Melissa Jo Mitchell Michael S. "The effects of forest management on habitat quality for black bears in the Southern Appalachians." Auburn, Ala., 2006. http://repo.lib.auburn.edu/2006%20Summer/Dissertations/REYNOLDS_MELISSA_8.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Chilton-Radandt, Tonya. "Spatial and temporal relationships of adult male black bears to roads in northwest Montana, 2003-2004." Connect to this title online, 2006. http://etd.lib.umt.edu/theses/available/etd-03022007-132306/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Gaines, William L. "Relationships among black bears, roads, and habitat in the North Cascades Mountains of Washington /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/5599.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Seger, Rita Logan. "Elucidating the Mechanism for Maintaining Eucalcemia Despite Immobility and Anuria in the Hibernating Black Bear (Ursus americanus)." Fogler Library, University of Maine, 2008. http://www.library.umaine.edu/theses/pdf/SegerRL2008.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Ryan, Christopher W. "Population ecology, residents' attitudes, hunter success, economic impact, modeling management options and retention time of Telazol of West Virginia black bears." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10450/10637.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2009.
Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xv, 321 p. : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.). Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Klenzendorf, Sybille A. "Population dynamics of Virginia's hunted black bear (Ursus americanus) population." Diss., Connect to this title online, 2002. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-02122002-160752/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Dixon, Jeremy Douglas. "Conservation genetics of the Florida black bear." [Gainesville, Fla.] : University of Florida, 2004. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/UFE0004705.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Landriault, Lynn J. "Nuisance black bear, Ursus americanus, behaviour in central Ontario." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp03/MQ31447.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Fortin, Jennifer Kay. "Niche separation amongst sympatric ursids relative to salmon use." Online access for everyone, 2006. http://www.dissertations.wsu.edu/Thesis/Summer2006/j%5Ffortin%5F053106.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Brown, Joshua Hager. "Challenges in estimating size and conservation of black bear in west central Florida." Lexington, Ky. : [University of Kentucky Libraries], 2004. http://lib.uky.edu/ETD/ukyfore2004t00152/BrownMS.pdf.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Kentucky, 2004.
Title from document title page (viewed Oct. 12, 2004). Document formatted into pages; contains ix, 58 p. : ill. Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 49-57).

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Hellgren, Eric C. "Ecology and physiology of a black bear (Ursus americanus) population in the Great Dismal Swamp and reproduction physiology in the captive female black bear." Diss., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/53525.

Full text

Abstract:

Ecology and physiology of black bears in Great Dismal Swamp (GDS) National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding area, a forested wetland in eastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, were studied from April 1984 to March 1987. A total of 101 bears (71M, 30F) were captured 120 times. Males dominated the capture sample (P< 0.001), but age did not differ between sexes (P= 0.74). Mean (±SE) age was 4.2±0.3 years. Litter size (x̅=2.1; N=12), modal age at primiparity (4 years), and interbirth interval (slightly greater than 2 years) were indicative of good-quality habitat. Estimated annual adult survival rates were 0.84 for females and 0.58 for males. Causes of mortality included legal (outside the Refuge) and illegal harvest, vehicle collisions, depredation permit kills, research, and predation. Population density for the study area was estimatcd by 6 techniques at 0.47-0.68 bears/km², corresponding to 262-377 bears for the 555 km² study area. Demographic data suggested a stable and productive population. Three major levels of diet quality were observed in terms of crude fiber, fat, and protein. Spring diets were high in protein but moderate in crude fiber, while fall diets were low in crude protein and high in ether extract. Condition indices and several blood characteristics (e.g. total protein, albumin, HCT, hemoglobin, and RBC) were at peaks in spring and late fall and at a low during summer. Serum creatinine concentrations also varied seasonally (P<0.001), with a peak during denning and high levels in spring and late fall, perhaps resulting from transition from and to hibernation. A urea/creatinine (U/C) ratio ≤10 was not a good indicator of the hibernating state, as 39 of 120 (32.5%) trapped, active bears had U/C ratios ≤10. Creatinine and total protein were the best indicators of the hibernating state. Albumin, HCT, hemoglobin, and RBC were the best indicators of condition during active stages, as indicated by significant (P< 0.1) correlations of condition indices and blood variables. Nine blood variables varied with age (P< 0.1). Multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis using blood variables failed to reject the hypothesis that bears cycled through 4 metabolic stages throughout the year. Results showed that metabolic shifts were tied to concomitant seasonal changes in diet quality, diet composition, and body condition, but also may have an endogenous component. Habitat and range use dynamics were described by radiotracking of 24 female and 22 male bears. Median annual range size estimates were 79.1 km² for males (N=10), 33.1 km² for subadult h females (N=7), and 21.4 km² for adult females (N=11). Preferred (P< 0.05) habitats on an annual basis were pocosins and mesic areas for females and gum-cypress and maple-coniferous stands for males. Seasonally, pocosin, gum-cypress, mesic, and disturbed areas were important for females. Bear distribution analysis indicated that roads were preferred (P< 0.05) during all seasons except early fall, when bears made fall excursions to feeding areas far from Swamp roads and close to the study area boundary. Range overlap was extensive for both sexes, although it appeared that females maintained exclusive ranges during spring and early summer. Denning ecology was described by monitoring 35 bears (26F, 9M). Five bears (2M, 3F) remained active throughout the winter. Den types included 14 elaborate ground nests, 11 excavated ground cavities, 2 ground-level tree cavities, 1 above-ground-level tree cavity, and l den in a stump. Females with cubs denned earlier, (P< 0.02) emerged later (P< 0.001), and denned longer (P< 0.001; 119 ±4 days vs. 78 ±4 days) than all other bear groups. Dry den sites did not appear to be limited. Present population management (protection from hunting and no public vehicular access) should be continued in the Refuge. The small effective population size (N=66) in GDS indicated the need for study of dispersal and genetics in the GDS and other southeastern wetland populations to determine the degree of isolation and extent of genetic variability. Maintenance and enhancement of pocosins, mature gum, oak, and disturbed habitats would benefit black bears in southeastern wetlands by providing a wide variety of natural foods throughout the year. Large den trees may not be necessary for successful denning and reproduction in certain southeastern wetlands because bears can use dense cover and microelevational factors to overwinter. Black bear conservation strategies in the Southeast are a critical need due to increasing habitat fragmentation. Six adult female black bears were maintained in captivity in Virginia from August 1987 to April 1988. Serum samples, as well as data on body weight and rectal temperatures, were collected from each bear at approximately 10-day intervals from 25 September to 30 March. Four of the six bears hibernated, not feeding for periods of 56 to 121 days (x̅=94 d). Rectal temperature declined in both active and hibernating bears during winter, but to a greater extent (P= 0.013) in hibernators. Average weight loss during hibernation represented 27.9% of peak body weight. Mean serum urea/creatinine (U/C) ratios were similar between physiological groups during the prehibernation phase. However, U/C ratios differed (P< 0.025) after the onset of hibernation. Concentrations of total serum protein, serum urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine were similarly affected by significant time-group interactions (P< 0.01). Alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, sodium, and chloride changed significantly (P< 0.05) during the course of the experiment, without regard to physiological group. U/C ratio was a good indicator of the hibernating state, but the sensitivity of serum urea levels to diet suggests careful use of U/C ratio as a field index. Serum progesterone (P) concentrations slowly increased from 2 to 5 ng/ml during October and November, then increased 2-2.5 fold 58 ±5 days before parturition in 2 bears that produced cubs. After the implantation peak, P declined, reaching undetectable levels 1-2 days postpartum. Similar P profiles were observed in 3 of 4 bears that did not produce any observed cubs. P also was assayed in 38 active wild black bears to relate to reproductive status in the den. Changes in serum estradiol-17ß concentrations during gestation also were profiled. The occurrence of pseudopregnancy or early embryonic mortality in bears with elevated serum progesterone concentrations is discussed.
Ph. D.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Frattaroli, Leslie Marie. "Black bear (Ursus americanus) ecology in Southern Grand Teton National Park." Thesis, Montana State University, 2011. http://etd.lib.montana.edu/etd/2011/frattaroli/FrattaroliL0811.pdf.

Full text

Abstract:

Black bears (Ursus americanus) in Grand Teton National Park (GRTE), Wyoming occupy an environment that is changing due to human pressure and environmental variability. I analyzed activity patterns, food habits, and habitat use of black bears in southern GRTE, trying to identify if human recreation impacted these patterns. I studied 9 black bears equipped with spread spectrum technology (SS) collars from June, 2005 to October, 2006. Each collar contained -15Â° head to tail activity switch, a GPS radio receiver, and an independent very high frequency (VHF) transmitter. I used logistic regression on a sample of bear locations that were field-verified as active or resting to determine a break point to classify all locations as resting or active based upon activity counts. My discriminant analysis indicated that bears were likely resting if their recorded activity count was <16.5. I used logistic regression to determine which factors were most responsible for missed fixes. Overall, bear activity levels were consistent regardless of their distance from roads, human developments, and trails. Bears fed on a wide range of foods including vegetation, insects, and mammals that were seasonally abundant. Graminoids and ants were important food sources for black bears in the spring and summer. I used the Mahalanobis Distances Factor Analysis (MADIFA) to quantitatively break down the D Â² statistic into linear combinations to determine the impact of each variable on D Â². My models displayed areas of high use (i.e. larger D Â² values), in forested regions adjacent to trails and roads. Several axes in different linear combinations, including habitat and human use covariates, are present in the analysis. This suggests that a complexity exists for black bear habitat use, beyond proximity to human use activities. Therefore it would be an oversimplification to conclude that black bears only utilize areas close to trails and/or roads in southern GRTE.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Godfrey, Cale L. "Reproductive biology and denning ecology of Virginia's exploited black bear population." Thesis, This resource online, 1996. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-08292008-063425/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Robinson, Stacie Joy. "Landscape genetics of black bears (Ursus americanus) on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska : phylogenetic, population genetic and spatial analyses /." PURL, 2007. http://www.arlis.org/docs/vol1/166237019.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Peters, Sonja L. "Temperature variations of dipteran larval masses analyzed on florida black bear carcasses." [Gainesville, Fla.] : University of Florida, 2003. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/UFE0001081.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Schrage, Michael W. "Influence of gypsy moth induced oak mortality on a black bear population." Thesis, This resource online, 1994. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-01102009-063432/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Simek, Stephanie Lynn. "History, Status, and Resource Selection of the American Black Bear in Mississippi." Thesis, Mississippi State University, 2019. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10980505.

Full text

Abstract:

Historically, black bears occurred throughout Mississippi but by 1932, <12 bears remained. Repatriation in neighboring states and conservation efforts in Mississippi have led to the recolonization of at least 2 subspecies (U. a. luteolus and U. a. americanus) of black bears in the state. I compiled available data to provide a synthesis of the history, current status, and management of black bears in Mississippi. Additionally, I used global positioning data collected from radio collared bears to determine the influence of distance to source population, cover type, distance to roads, distance to water, wetland reserve program areas, and human population density on black bear resource selection at various spatial scales. I studied characteristics of space use and resource selection of recolonizing bears in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (Delta). I assessed the influence of environmental parameters at the female core annual home-range (using 50% kernel density estimator) and male and female seasonal and annual home-ranges (95% kernel density estimator). Distance to source population and distance to roads had significant influence at the core female home-range scale. I found a sex-based difference in annual and seasonal home-ranges. I also found that bears exhibited response to and selection for specific resources with an affinity toward hardwood stands, particularly young-aged hardwoods. My research illustrates the importance of analyzing resource selection at multiple scales to gain a full understanding of parameters that influence the recolonization of a bear population.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Higgins, Jennifer C. "Survival, Home Range and Spatial Relationships of Virginia's Exploited Black Bear Population." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/36765.

Full text

Abstract:

Eighty-three (21M, 62F) of 194 black bears captured during 1994-1996 were equipped with radio collars. Annual survival rates estimated with Kaplain-Meier staggered entry approach for radio collared adult females, adult males, subadult females, and subadult males were 95.3, 100.0, 90.4 and 50.0% respectively. Hunting, handling, vehicle collisions, and natural causes accounted for 81.0, 11.1, 3.2, and 1.6% of mortality. Twenty, 9.8, and 70.6 % of bears harvested were harvested in the deer firearm season, the deer archery season, and the bear firearm season, respectively. Twenty-three cubs were equipped with expandable radio collars (11M,10F) or transmitters implanted subcutaneously (2M,0F) in 1995-1996. Six cubs (4M, 2F) died, 6 (3M,3F) survived their first year, and the status of 11 cubs (6M, 5F) was unknown. Survival rates (date marked until 4 December) estimated with Kaplain-Meier and Heisey-Fuller were 64.3 and 64.7% respectively. Interval survival rates were 71% (15 March to 31 May), 100% (1 June to 31 July), 92% (1 August to 31 August), and 100% (1 September to 4 December). Intraspecific aggression (33.3%), starvation (16.7%), unknown causes (16.7%) and predation (16.7%) were the causes of mortality. Total home range size for males and adult, subadult, and transitional age females were 7.2, 5.5, 5.6 and 7.2 km2 (95% MCP) and 11.2, 6.8, 9.0, and 10.0 km2 (95% normal kernel). Females with cubs had larger fall ranges than spring and summer ranges. Seasonal ranges of solitary females did not differ when estimated with MCP. Bears exhibited home range overlap among and within sex classes.
Master of Science

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Carney, Daniel W. "Population dynamics and denning ecology of black bears in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia." Thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/50022.

Full text

Abstract:

During 1982-85, population dynamics and denninq ecology of black bears (Ursus americanus) were investigated in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Foot snares and culvert traps were used to capture 115 bears a total of 149 times. Radio transmitter collars were fitted to 47 bears. The age structure of the bears captured was indicative of an exploited population. The minimum breeding age of females was 2 years, but 3 years was the modal age. Mean litter size determined by cub counts was 2.0 and females usually bred every second year. Annual mortality rates were estimated at 30% for cubs, 54% for yearlings, 39% for 2-year olds, and 21.5% for older bears. Radio collared adult males had an annual mortality rate of 41.5%, over 5-fold that of adult females (7.5%). Bear density was estimated at 1 bear/0.96-1.49 km'. This high density was explained in part by the difference in male and female mortality rates. The estimated rate of population increase indicated that the population was stable. The most common den types were rock cavities (29 of 61) and above-ground tree cavities (19 of 61). Males did not den in tree cavities. Den sites were not selected for forest type, aspect, or elevation, but ground slope was greater at den sites (P < 0.001) than at random points. Among- and within-year differences in dates of den entry, den emergence, and parturition were unrelated to weather and hard mast production.
Master of Science
incomplete_metadata

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Miller, Julie Ann. "A Study of the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) in Utah: An Analysis of the Post-Denning Activities and Bear-Human Conflict." BYU ScholarsArchive, 2014. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/4374.

Full text

Abstract:

This study examined two different aspects of black bear (Ursus americanus) ecology in Utah. First, we determined the post-denning behaviors of female black bears in order to help management agencies protect bears from human disturbances as well as set spring hunts that minimize the taking of females with dependent young. We looked at the timing of den emergence (X = 25 March), the number of days at the den site post emergence (X = 11 days), and departure (X = 8 April) for female black bears in Utah from 2011—2013. We also analyzed the effects of cohort (lone female, female with cubs, and female with yearlings), region of Utah, year, elevation, and weather on emergence, departure, and total number of days at den. Lastly, we describe behaviors observed at the den site. We found that first emergence was significantly correlated with cohort and spring temperature. Departure date was significantly correlated with geographic region, spring temperature during emergence and departure, and temperature the spring and summer before denning. Total number of days at den was significantly correlated with cohort and last frost date from the year before. Bears spent little of the post-denning period outside of the dens (X = 9.8% of total observation time). When outside of dens, bears were often observed walking, lying down, sitting and standing. We also observed unique behaviors, including gathering nest materials, nursing, and ingesting. Dens were frequently visited by other wildlife as well. Second, we analyzed conflict between humans and black bears in Utah. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources initiated a black bear sightings and encounters database in 2003. We upgraded this database by gathering available records and organizing them into a new database for analysis using Microsoft Access®. From 2003—2013 there were 943 records, with 499 bear-human encounters, 33 incidents, 10 attacks, 208 property damages, 187 sightings, and 6 vehicle collisions. Utah county had the highest number of events (n = 115). The majority of events took place at campsites (n = 363). Summer was the most common season for events (n = 715). Time of day was frequently not reported, but when it was, most events occurred at night (n = 173). We found no significant increase in the number of events over the last ten years. We also found no significant relationship between the number of events per year and drought data. The highest number of events involved single bears (n = 843), and over half of events had food or garbage available for the bear (n = 475).

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Dykstra, Eliese Antona. "Using stable isotope analysis to estimate black bear (Ursus americanus) diet in Vermont." ScholarWorks @ UVM, 2015. http://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/388.

Full text

Abstract:

The black bear (Ursus americanus) is an iconic species with cultural, economic and ecological importance in Vermont, USA. Bears exhibit a highly variable diet, and few studies have described bear diet in the state. Information on diet may provide insight into foraging behavior, thus allowing managers to better assess patterns of human-bear conflict. My objectives were to estimate the relative contribution of food items to bear diet and how factors including sex, habitat, food availability, and nuisance status describe patterns of consumption. I collected samples from bears and major food groups including C3 plants, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), corn (Zea mays), and human foods, then quantified diet using stable isotope analysis. Samples were collected from 71 bears, 547 plants, and 38 deer throughout Vermont. I also collected 12 corn samples, and 20 human hair samples to represent anthropogenic foods. I determined δ13C and δ15N isotope values for all samples, then used Bayesian mixing models to estimate the contribution of foods and effect of each factor on proportional contribution estimates. Nuisance status best described patterns of diet over other factors. Median percent contributions for non-nuisance bears were 73.2% C3 plants, 23.8% corn, 1.9% human foods, and 0.5% deer. Median percent contributions for nuisance bears were 64.6% C3 plants, 28.9% corn, 3.2% human foods, and 0.7% deer. Factors such as sex, habitat, and food availability exerted less effect on diet than expected. Proportional contribution of meat was lower than in some other parts of North America, suggesting bears forage differently in Vermont. Results provide the first statewide estimate of bear diet and indicate corn may represent a much larger component of diet than previously thought. In particular, bears labeled as nuisance animals may forage on greater proportions of corn throughout the year.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Hast, John Tyler. "GENETIC DIVERSITY, STRUCTURE, AND RECOLONIZATION PATTERNS OF KENTUCKY BLACK BEARS." UKnowledge, 2010. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_theses/8.

Full text

Abstract:

After nearly a century of absence, the black bear (Ursus americanus) reappeared in Kentucky during the late 20th century and has since increased in number. Recolonization of bears in the southeastern portion of the state was thought to have been caused by emigration of bears from adjacent states into the Commonwealth, while in the south-central area, bears originated, or natural recolonization may have been supplemented by the translocation of 14 individuals into the Big South Fork National River Recreation Area. To investigate the recolonization patterns of bears in Kentucky, I used 20 microsatellite loci to determine the genetic diversity and subpopulation structure of bears in the state, and quantified the relative influence of source populations of bears from neighboring states. Two genetically distinct populations of black bears were identified; Big South Fork and Cumberland Plateau. These populations were moderately diverged from each other and had levels of heterozygosity similar to other stable bear populations in North America. The Cumberland Plateau bear population originated from a combination of bears from both West Virginia and Virginia. In contrast, the Big South Fork population appeared to be almost entirely comprised of individuals from the translocated founders from Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Comly, Lisa M. "Survival, reproduction, and movements of translocated nuisance black bears in Virginia." Thesis, This resource online, 1993. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-10312009-020349/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

McCall, Barbara. "NONINVASIVE GENETIC SAMPLING REVELAS BLACK BEAR POPULATION DYNAMICS DRIVEN BY CHANGES IN FOOD PRODUCTIVITY." The University of Montana, 2009. http://etd.lib.umt.edu/theses/available/etd-06112009-182902/.

Full text

Abstract:

I conducted research on the demography of a harvested north Idaho black bear (Ursus americanus) population to determine the underlying dynamics of changes in population abundance, to determine how much these dynamics were driven by variation in food productivity, and to evaluate how these processes could influence inferences based on mark-recapture analysis. In cooperation with Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the USDA Forest Service, I used barb-wire corrals to collect black bear DNA during 2003-2006 in the Purcell Mountains of Idaho. We analyzed these DNA samples to determine the number of uniquely identified individuals in each year, Nu. I used a combination of both genetic and mark-recapture analyses to evaluate the sources of variation in Nu over the four years and to what extent this variation was driven by changes in productivity of foods on the landscape. Specifically, I investigated deviations of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and genetic substructure in relation to changes in abundance, and whether variation in vital rates were a function of changing berry productivity in the study area. I found a heterozygote deficiency and detected genetic substructure indicating I sampled ≤ 4 subpopulations within the same area over the four years (a Wahlund Effect). My mark-recapture analyses suggest this pattern was probably in response to landscape changes in summer berry abundance. My results suggest important variation in population dynamics driven by changes in food productivity, which should be considered when using mark-recapture analyses to monitor population trends for black bears.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Guthrie, Joseph Maddox. "MODELING MOVEMENT BEHAVIOR AND ROAD CROSSING IN THE BLACK BEAR OF SOUTH CENTRAL FLORIDA." UKnowledge, 2012. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/forestry_etds/2.

Full text

Abstract:

We evaluated the influence of a landscape dominated by agriculture and an extensive road network on fine-scale movements of black bears (Ursus americanus) in south-central Florida. The objectives of this study were to (1) define landscape functionality including corridor use by the directionality and speed of bear movements, (2) to develop a model reflecting selected habitat characteristics during movements, (3) to identify habitat characteristics selected by bears at road-crossing locations, and (3) to develop and evaluate a predictive model for road-crossing locations based on habitat characteristics. We assessed models using GPS data from 20 adult black bears (9 F, 11 M), including 382 unique road-crossing events by 16 individuals. Directionality of bear movements were influenced by the density of cover and proximity to human infrastructure, and movement speed was influenced by density of cover and proximity to paved roads. We used the Brownian bridge movement model to assess road-crossing behavior. Landscape-level factors like density of cover and density of roads appeared more influential than roadside factors, vegetative or otherwise. Model validation procedures suggested strong predictive ability for the selected road-crossing model. These findings will allow managers to prioritize and implement sound strategies to promote connectivity and reduce road collisions.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Murphy, Sean McCarthy. "STATUS OF A REINTRODUCED BLACK BEAR POPULATION IN THE BIG SOUTH FORK AREA OF KENTUCKY." UKnowledge, 2011. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/forestry_etds/1.

Full text

Abstract:

Large carnivores have been subjected to overexploitation and extensive habitat loss for centuries. Reintroduction has become an increasingly used tool for recovering and reestablishing large carnivore populations; however, most reintroductions have either failed or resulted in small populations that are vulnerable to deleterious demographic, environmental, and genetic effects that can lead to population loss or extinction. Longterm monitoring of small, reintroduced populations is critical to population persistence and viability. To evaluate long-term reintroduction success and current status of a recently reintroduced, small black bear (Ursus americanus) population in the Big South Fork area of Kentucky, I used non-invasive hair sampling in a systematic, closedpopulation capture-mark-recapture study design. I used ≥ 20 microsatellite loci to identify individual bear, quantify genetic diversity, investigate genetic relatedness, estimate population abundance and density, and investigate patterns of range expansion. The Big South Fork population is comprised of closely-related individuals, is small (N = 40; 95% CI: 30-113), of low density (0.03 bear/km2), has experienced minimal range expansion, and exhibits decreased genetic diversity (HE = 0.698). Because of prolonged isolation from nearby subpopulations, the Big South Fork population remains vulnerable and requires immediate and continued monitoring.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Ulrey, Wade Allen. "HOME RANGE, HABITAT USE, AND FOOD HABITS OF THE BLACK BEAR IN SOUTH-CENTRAL FLORIDA." UKnowledge, 2008. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_theses/524.

Full text

Abstract:

I studied a small, enigmatic, and imperiled black bear population in south-central Florida from 2004 - 2006. Annual home ranges of males (96.0 km2) were larger than those of females (32.2 km2). Female home ranges were smaller in winter than in summer or fall. At the landscape scale, bears selected forests, scrub, and citrus, but avoided urban areas. At the home range scale, bears selected bay swamp and hardwood hammock, but avoided urban areas and grassland. Bears selected bay swamp in winter, forests and scrub in summer, and forests, scrub, and marsh in fall. The bear’s diverse diet included citrus fruit. Important foods were acorn, saw palmetto fruit, and Florida carpenter ant. The local landscape is dominated by agriculture on private lands, as opposed to large contiguous forests on public land elsewhere in Florida black bear range. Mean patch size of forests was smaller, while edge density, diversity, and evenness were higher in south-central Florida than elsewhere in the state. Diversity of forest habitat may partially account for the persistence of the black bear in this fragmented landscape. Managers should encourage private landowners to adopt practices that promote bear habitat, and focus on habitat diversity, road crossings, and statewide metapopulation structure.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

New, Cherie Lynn. "A metapopulation dynamics model for black bear recolonization in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas." Thesis, Sul Ross State University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1526975.

Full text

Abstract:

West Texas, especially the Trans-Pecos region, mainly consists of desert shrubs and grasslands with patches of higher elevation (1,500 – 2,000 m) mountain ranges. Black bears (Ursus americanus) were extirpated from this area by the 1940s because of predator control and over hunting. In the 1980s, black bears returned to west Texas in a natural recolonization movement from Mexico, where they had survived. The black bear populations of the Trans-Pecos region and northern Mexico fit a mainland-island metapopulation model. Based on previously published research on this recolonization event, I identified several likely habitat recolonization sites and corridor routes for use in predicting possible black bear dispersal throughout the area. Then, using these corridor and recolonization scenarios, I produced a black bear metapopulation model for the Trans-Pecos region.

The possible habitat recolonization site map was created by combining 2 habitat suitability index (HSI) maps and using these HSI maps to define 'core' and 'useable' black bear habitat within the Trans-Pecos region. Using these locations, along with dispersal probabilities and black bear demographic parameters, I created a corridor dispersal map of the area using the program Circuitscape.

The metapopulation model was created using STELLA modeling software. Each recolonization location in the Trans-Pecos region (Big Bend National Park, Black Gap Wildlife Management Area, and the Davis Mountains) has its own black bear subpopulation. The metapopulation model is a stochastic compartment model based on a yearly time step (Δt = 1 yr). This model was tested for the effects of: carrying capacity per site, immigration rates from Mexico, rates of dispersal from Black Gap Wildlife Management Area to the Davis Mountains, and the recovery time for the area after complete extirpation from the Trans-Pecos. This information will help local biologists conserve and manage these returning black bears in the Trans-Pecos region.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Kasbohm, John W. "Response of black bears to gypsy moth infestation in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia." Diss., This resource online, 1994. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-10022007-145359/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Bridges, Andrew Scott. "Population Ecology of Black Bears in the Alleghany Mountains of Virginia." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/27754.

Full text

Abstract:

The Cooperative Alleghany Bear Study (CABS) was a 10-year study conducted on 2 areas and designed to investigate the ecology of a hunted population of American black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Alleghany Mountains of western Virginia. Over the course of our research, we handled 1,041 individual bears >18 months old and gathered reproductive data from females during 424 bear-winters. My analyses of 183 litters indicate that reproductive rates were high with relatively large litters (mean = 2.49 cubs / litter) and younger (3â 4-year-old) females having smaller litters than older (> 5 years old) females. Overall cub sex ratios did not differ from 1M:1F; however, female cubs were over-represented in 4-cub litters. Most cubs were born in January (mean = January 17) and younger females had later parturition dates than older females. Bears on our study areas had relatively early ages at primiparity (mean = 3.8 years old) and few missed reproductive opportunities. Hard mast failure apparently resulted in periodic reproductive failures and subsequent reproductive synchrony, which I tracked using 5 indices. The amplitude of oscillations in reproductive synchrony dampened through time after each synchronizing event. The population contained substantially more females than males; however, males were more vulnerable to trapping than were females. Population size was determined using genetic and photographic capture-recapture estimators. Density estimates were relatively high and approached 1 bear / km2. Annual survival rates were high for cubs (0.87) and females (0.91). For males, annual survival rates were lower, particularly for 1â 3-year-olds (0.57). Excluding hunting mortality, natural survival rates were high (0.98) for all >1-year-old bears on our study areas. The results of Leslie Matrix and Program RISKMAN models indicated a growing population. A Leslie Matrix model incorporating the effects of a 5-year-cyle of mast-failure-induced reproductive failure yielded a lambda = 1.13. To reach the objective of 0 population growth prescribed for some areas of Virginia, increased levels of hunting mortality on adult (>3-year-old) females would likely be necessary.
Ph. D.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Harris, Hannah B. "THE RETURN OF THE BLACK BEAR TO EASTERN KENTUCKY: CONFLICT AND TOLERANCE BETWEEN PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE." UKnowledge, 2011. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_diss/830.

Full text

Abstract:

The black bear (Ursus americanus) has returned to Kentucky and is now part of a reproducing population in the southeastern Cumberland Mountain region. The broad objective of this project was to examine the interactions between people and bears, with the ultimate goal of improving bear management in a way that addresses stakeholder concerns. Using interviews of regional stakeholders, participant observation, and media reports collected between summer 2003 and fall 2006, I investigated how the presence of black bears in Harlan and Letcher counties in Kentucky has had an impact on area residents. I complemented this information with observations of bear behavior and an analysis of bear capture and handling data collected within the study period. Artificial provisioning of bears was widespread and >60% of black bears captured were confirmed to use anthropogenic foods at least some of the time. I found a significant difference (P<0.0001) in the apparent physical condition of confirmed anthropogenic feeding bears and bears whose feeding behavior was unknown, and similar differences in physical condition between bears captured along traplines in Harlan and Letcher counties when compared to bears captured along traplines in Bell County (P<0.01). Mean litter size was 3.25 ± 0.11 (SE), significantly above average for eastern North America (P<0.05) although cub survival remains unknown. All documented mortality of adult bears was human-caused. Anthropogenic food sources may affect bear behavior, survival, reproduction, and physiology, as well as bring bears into close contact with humans. Artificial provisioning is currently an important part of bear-human interaction in eastern Kentucky, both facilitating bear tourism as well as precipitating nuisance problems. Cessation of provisioning could have important consequences for the developing tourism industry in the region and for the bears themselves. Both the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and many local people have an interest in conserving bears, but problems have arisen due to differing conceptions of appropriate or desirable management. A better understanding of the human dynamics and cooperation taking place in this situation could provide much-needed information both in Kentucky and in other localities where stakeholders are debating how to co-exist with wildlife.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

Smart, Tamela S. "Carpals and tarsals of mule deer, black bear and human an osteology guide for the archaeologist /." Online access, 2009. http://content.wwu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/theses&CISOPTR=316&CISOBOX=1&REC=5.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Lee, Daniel James. "Survival, family breakups, and dispersal of yearling and subadult black bears in western Virginia." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/41230.

Full text

Abstract:

Reported survival rates, dates of family breakup, and dispersal patterns for yearling and subadult bears in hunted black bear (Ursus americanus) populations in North America are scarce. We estimated survival rates of yearling and subadult black bears from a hunted population in western Virginia during 1999 - 2002. We captured and marked 307 different individual yearling and subadult bears on 2 study sites, and attached ear tag transmitters or radio collars to 54 (34M : 20F) 1-year-old, 52 (23M : 29F) 2-year-old, and 35 (8M : 27F) 3-year-old black bears. We used the known fate model in program MARK to estimate annual, non-hunting, and hunting season survival for radio-marked bears of each age and sex class. Additionally, we used mark-recapture data in the recaptures only, dead recoveries, and BurnhamÂ¡Â¯s combined models within program MARK to estimate annual survival for each age and sex class. One-, 2-, and 3-year-old female survivorship was 0.87 (95% C.I. 0.78 - 0.92), while 1-year male survivorship was 0.32 (95% C.I. 0.20 - 0.47), and 2- and 3-year-old male survivorship was 0.59 (95% C.I. 0.47 - 0.71) from the Burnham's combined model. Survival rates for 1-year-old females (Â¦Ã 2 = 6.20, P = 0.01) and 2-year-old females (Â¦Ã 2 = 7.74, P = 0.01) were higher than males in each age category, respectively. However, we detected no difference between 3-year-old females and 3-year-old males (Â¦Ã 2 = 2.61, P=0.11), likely due to small sample size of males (n = 4). Low yearling and subadult survival is not likely a cause for alarm due to the importance of adult female survival to population growth and the promiscuous mating system in black bear populations. Family breakup is an important event in the life history of black bears, marking the initial dispersal and home range construction of yearling bears, and perhaps marking the timing of estrus and breeding opportunities for adult females. We monitored 6 black bear family groups with 12 yearlings (6M : 6F) to determine the timing of family breakup; we intensely monitored 3 of the family groups to document home range establishment and movements by 5 subadult bears (2M : 3F) following separation from their mothers. Estimated dates of family breakup were 28 May and 2 June. Family breakups occurred before peak dates of estrus on our 2 western Virginia study areas. We detected 2 reassociations between a mother and her yearling offspring. Following family breakup, female yearlings (n = 3) remained within or partially on their mothers' home range while subadult males (n = 2) left their mothers' home ranges. All yearlings (n = 5) shared Â¡Ã 50% of post-breakup home range with their mothers. We studied the movements of 31 (11M : 20F) subadult black bears born on our 2 study areas in western Virginia and 70 (44M : 26F) subadult bears captured during the summer on the study areas for dispersal. No radio-marked, resident, subadult female bears exhibited dispersal behavior while 3 of 11 (27%) radio-marked, resident, subadult males dispersed (P = 0.04). Resident and summer capture male bears moved greater distances than females from yearling den location (Â¦Ã 2 = 8.54, P = 0.01, df = 2) or summer capture location (Â¦Ã 2 = 22.02, P < 0.01, df = 2); no female moved > 10 km between initial and final locations (x = 2.7 km, range 0.2 - 9.0 km). The greatest subadult male movement was 80 km (x = 13.4 km, range 0.6 -0.80 km), and dispersal movements primarily occurred within the 1 and 2-year-old age classes. Direction of movement between initial and final locations for dispersing bears was not random (Rayleigh's r = 0.56, P = 0.02); bears appeared to follow the orientation of the predominant ridgelines and avoided leaving the national forest.
Master of Science

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Trent, Jewel Andrew. "Ecology, Habitat Use, and Conservation of Asiatic Black Bears in the Min Mountains of Sichuan Province, China." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/33560.

Full text

Abstract:

This project was initiated in an attempt to address the paucity of data on Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Mainland China. Field work was carried out from May 2004 – August 2006 within the Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve in northwestern Sichuan Province, China. Initial methodology relied on trapping and GPS radio-collaring bears, but due to extreme difficulty with capturing a sufficient sample size, I expanded the study to include reproduction, feeding analysis from scats and sign, and occupancy modeling from sign surveys. I documented the home ranges of an adult female (100% MCP = 107.5km2, n=470 locations) and a sub-adult female (100%MCP = 5.9km2, n=36 locations) Asiatic black bear. I also documented two birthing occasions with a total of four male cubs produced and eight bear den sites. I collected feeding data from 131 scat samples and 200 bear sign transects resulting in 50 identified food items consumed by Asiatic black bears. I also employed the program PRESENCE to analyze occupancy data using both a standard grid repeated sampling technique and an innovative technique of aging bear sign along strip transect surveys to represent repeated bear occupancy over time. Conservation protection patrolling and soft mast were shown to be the most important factors determining the occupancy of an area by Asiatic black bears in Tangjiahe Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China.
Master of Science

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Jensen, Rebekah A. "THE EFFECTS OF ROADS ON SPACE USE AND MOVEMENTS OF BLACK BEARS IN EASTERN KENTUCKY." UKnowledge, 2009. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_theses/620.

Full text

Abstract:

Kentucky, USA, is the site of recent natural recolonization by the American black bear (Ursus americanus); however, bears are rarely observed outside the Cumberland Mountains along the state‘s southeastern border. I examined the influence of roads in constraining the distribution of this population by altering animal space use and movement. I identified patterns of road avoidance and road crossing using data from Global Positioning System collars worn by 28 adult bears (16M, 12F), and described road mortality trends using 27 roadkill events. Bears avoided roads at the home range and landscape scale, primarily crossed low-traffic roads, and crossed in sites that minimized detection by humans. Males displayed more evidence of road avoidance than females, but females crossed roads more selectively than males. Bears were most often killed on high to moderate traffic roads, and in areas less forested than expected. Roadkill and road crossing sites bore different attributes. The results of my study support previous findings that space use near roads and road crossing reflect a tradeoff between the risks of road mortality and human harassment, and the benefits of access to habitat, mates, and anthropogenic food. Road-mediated restriction of black bear space use and movement is indicated.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

Allen, Tiffany Dore Holland. "The use of wildlife underpasses and the barrier effect of wildlife guards for deer and black bear." Thesis, Montana State University, 2011. http://etd.lib.montana.edu/etd/2011/allen/AllenT0511.pdf.

Full text

Abstract:

Roads and traffic affect wildlife on multiple organizational scales (e.g. from individuals to populations) and different spatial scales (e.g. local patch to landscapes). Roads not only affect the natural environment, but people are also at risk when animals are on the road. As transportation agencies are incorporating mitigation measures into roadway design, more opportunities are arising to study their effectiveness. One such opportunity is along U.S. Highway 93 on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, where eight reconstruction projects over 90.6 km were completed in 2010. The mitigation measures include 2.4-m fencing, crossing structures, and wildlife guards. These measures are aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and increasing human safety, while allowing unimpeded wildlife movement and traffic flow. Within the 90.6-km reconstruction zone, two sections were completed in2006. For this study, we focused on these two sections to answer two questions: 1) To what extent are the wildlife guards a barrier to wildlife, especially deer (Odocoileus sp.)?; and 2) How do characteristics of the underpasses, landscape characteristics, and human disturbance influence use by mule deer (O. hemionus), white-tailed deer (O. virginianus), and black bear (Ursus americanus)? To answer the first question, we monitored wildlife movements with cameras at two guards and in one culvert adjacent to a guard. To answer the second question, we used both sand tracking beds and cameras to monitor 11 underpasses for over two years. We also analyzed data on structural characteristics, landscape characteristics, and human disturbance from field measurements and a geographic information system. The guards were > or =85% effective as a barrier to deer, and 93.5% of deer used the crossing structure instead of the adjacent guard. Though the guards were not an absolute barrier, the results indicate deer were substantially discouraged from crossing, and the vast majority crossed the road using the crossing structure rather than the guard, indicating the guards are an effective means of mitigation. We found that increasing distance to cover may increase mule and white-tailed deer use of underpasses. However, we were unable to determine factors related to black bear crossings. We recommend further study for all three species. 'Co-authored by: Marcel P. Huijser, David W. Willey, Whisper Camel, Pat Basting and Dale Becker.'

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Day, Susan Marie. "Aspects of Newfoundland black bear, Ursus americanus hamiltoni, food habits and habitat use in human-influenced environments." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp04/mq23689.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

Chamberland, Paul Eric Pierre. "Black bear (Ursus americanus) habitat ecology as related to aspects of forest management in southern New Brunswick." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape2/PQDD_0020/MQ54525.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

Raithel, Jarod D. "Integrating Black Bear Behavior, Spatial Ecology, and Population Dynamics in a Human-Dominated Landscape: Implications for Management." DigitalCommons@USU, 2017. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6633.

Full text

Abstract:

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW), in collaboration with Bear Trust International, presented us an opportunity to examine a long-term (33 years) American black bear (Ursus americanus) data set from northwestern New Jersey (NJ), USA. State agencies continue to grapple with uncertainty about the efficacy of socially divisive management actions such as recreational harvest and lethal control as tools to reduce escalating human-bear conflicts. We applied multistate capture-reencounter models to a large sample of black bear captures (>5,000) and dead recoveries (>1,300) between 1981 – 2014 to estimate cause-specific mortality and spatial dynamics between wildland and anthropogenic habitats. Additionally, we assessed temporal correlations between more than 26,500 reported human–black bear interactions and mortality rates. Adult females were twice as likely (0.163 ± 0.014) as males (0.087 ± 0.012) to be harvested, and cubs (0.444 ± 0.025) and yearlings (0.372 ± 0.022) had a high probability of dying, primarily from vehicle strikes. Nuisance behaviors reported declined with increasing harvest and lethal management (P = 0.028, R2 = 0.338). Adult bears previously designated as a nuisance and/or threat (hereafter, “problem”) were more likely to be harvested (0.176 ± 0.025) than those with no conflict history (0.109 ± 0.010). Combined legal kills and vehicle strikes, the two greatest mortality causes for marked bears, occurred significantly less than expected per unit area in urban and agricultural areas, and more than expected in the wildland-urban interface and wildland habitats. Across all age-classes, problem bears were significantly more likely to transition to anthropogenic habitats, yet they died at lower rates than conspecifics with no history of conflict in wildlands. Cubs and yearlings died at significantly higher rates than adults in the risky interface habitat, corroborating independent estimates of their increased susceptibility to harvest and vehicle strikes. Ultimately, wildland habitats represented a population source (λ = 1.133) and anthropogenic habitats a sink (λ = 0.945). Harvest represents an important management tool to help meet population targets and decrease human-bear conflicts by disproportionately removing problem bears.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

Wagman, Jason Daniel. "The Effects of Feeding Enrichment on Behavioral Measures of Animal Welfare in Four Bear Species." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1433516900.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

McChesney, Holly M. "A Geographic Analysis of Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) Habitat in the Marietta Unit of the Wayne National Forest." The Ohio State University, 1998. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392910425.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Smith, Julia Blanche. "Recolonization of the Midwestern United States by Large Carnivores: Habitat Suitability and Human Dimensions." OpenSIUC, 2013. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/1162.

Full text

Abstract:

Large carnivores in the United States are making a comeback following decades of systematic eradication. Black bears (Ursus americanus), cougars (Puma concolor), and gray wolves (Canis lupus) may recolonize the midwestern United States provided there is substantial suitable habitat. However, viability of large carnivore populations is as dependent on social acceptance as on biological factors. I developed individual and combined models of suitable habitat for black bears, cougars, and wolves in 18 midwestern states using geospatial data, expert-opinion surveys, and multi-criteria evaluation. I also assessed attitudes and perceptions of Illinois citizens about large carnivores via a mail-in survey. Experts indicated land cover was the most important variable for predicting potential habitat for black bears and cougars; human density was the most influential variable for wolves. Large, contiguous areas of suitable habitat comprised 35%, 21%, and 13% of the study region for wolves, bears, and cougars, respectively. About 12% of the region was considered suitable for all 3 species. Arkansas, Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin had the highest proportions (>40%) of suitable habitat for black bears; Arkansas, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin had the most (≥20%) suitable cougar habitat; and only 4 states in the study region contained <29% suitable wolf habitat. Models were validated by comparing suitability values of independent sets of known carnivore locations to those of random locations, and models appeared accurate. More than 70% of survey respondents (n = 791) were male and their average age was 60; 55% were hunters. Approximately 40% were unsure about the population status of large carnivores in Illinois; of the remaining respondents, most (ranging from 20% for black bears to 41% for cougars) believed the presence of all 3 species had increased over the past decade. More residents supported protection (43%) and increasing numbers of large carnivores (39%) than opposed them (26%), although support for black bears was slightly higher than for cougars and wolves. Rural residents and livestock owners were the most likely to want carnivore numbers to decrease and least likely to support their protection; higher levels of education corresponded to positive attitudes toward large carnivores. My research provides the foundation for well-informed management plans, policy decisions, and educational initiatives for large carnivores in midwestern states where large carnivore populations have been absent for decades.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Larson, Wesley G. "Human-Bear Interactions Among Black Bears in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, and Polar Bears on Alaska's North Slope." BYU ScholarsArchive, 2017. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/6649.

Full text

Abstract:

Human-bear interactions are an important consideration of bear biology, as interactions can lead to destruction of property as well as injury or death for both human and bear. Successful analysis of why these interactions occur can lead to appropriate preventative measures and mitigation of further conflict. Bryce Canyon National Park (BRCA) is comprised of relatively poor bear habitat, but a black bear population exists on the Paunsaugunt Plateau, on which the park occupies the eastern edge. Park managers expressed interest in learning more about bear movements and, specifically, bear use of anthropogenic features following a number of human-bear incidents located at backcountry campsites within park boundaries. By analyzing data from GPS radio-collared bears, trail cameras, existing literature, park incident reports and in-depth campsite assessments, we were able to show how bears are using both natural and anthropogenic features on the Bryce landscape. Campsites were assessed for bear habitat, displacement and encounter potential in order to establish an overall human-bear conflict potential. AIC model selection and resource selection functions using GPS collar data showed that bears selected for some anthropogenic features (campsites, springs), while actively avoiding others (trails, roads). Trail camera data, existing literature and park incident reports all pointed toward use of trails. We then considered all data sources used in the analysis and compiled rankings of human-bear conflict potential for each of the backcountry campsites within BRCA, and submitted a detailed report of findings, conclusions and recommendations to NPS personnel. Second, we investigated human-bear interactions at polar bear dens sites on Alaska's North Slope. As parturient female polar bears in the Southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation increasingly construct maternal dens on coastal land features rather than sea ice, they become more likely to interact with industry and other human activity. We wanted to understand what levels of human interaction could lead to disturbance of denning polar bears, and what types of responses were being exhibited by bears following those interactions. We subdivided potential disturbance stimuli into groups based on their size, motion and sound and the used AIC model selection techniques and multinomial logistic regression to analyze records of human-bear interactions at den sites ranging from 1975 through the present day. We found significant probabilities of varying levels of bear disturbance response among a number of stimuli and intensities. However, denning bear families were overall more tolerant of human activity near den sites than expected. Den abandonments were rare, and we documented no cases of reproductive failure following a disturbance event. We hope that our results from the analysis can be used to further enhance management of industry when operating in polar bear denning habitat.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

Signor, Kari D. "Investigating Methods to Reduce Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Visitation to Anthropogenic Food Sources: Conditioned Taste Aversion and Food Removal." DigitalCommons@USU, 2009. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/547.

Full text

Abstract:

Conflicts between humans and black bears (Ursus americanus) jeopardize the safety of both humans and bears, especially when bears become food-conditioned to anthropogenic food sources in areas such as campgrounds. Interest in using non-lethal techniques, such as aversive conditioning, to manage such conflicts is growing. I conducted a captive experiment at The Wildlife Science Center in Minnesota and two field experiments in the La Sal Mountains, Utah, to investigate the effects of taste aversion conditioning using thiabendazole (TBZ) with a novel flavor cue and food removal on black bear food consumption and visitation to human food sources. In 2007, I conducted food trials with 6 captive black bears (3 control, 3 treatment). Controls received 1 kg baked goods scented with a peppermint-canola oil mixture and treatments received 1 kg baked goods also scented with a peppermint-canola oil mixture but mixed with 10-20 g TBZ. In the 2007 field experiment, I baited 24 field sites with 300 g of baked goods during a baseline phase for approximately 3 weeks. Half of these sites were then treated with 10 g of TBZ and camphor during a treatment phase for 4 weeks. In 2008, I baited 22 sites with 300 g of baked goods during a baseline phase for approximately 4 weeks. I then removed food and discontinued baiting at half of the sites for 4 weeks. Infrared cameras and barbed-wire hair snags were established at field sites to document bear visitation. I did not establish taste aversion in treated bears in captivity and bears fully consumed food in the majority of trials. Treating food supplies with 10 g TBZ and camphor flavor did not significantly reduce bear visitation (P = 0.615) or food consumption at field sites (P = 0.58). However, I observed a significant reduction in bear activity at sites where food was removed (P = 0.006). Potential reasons for my failure to reduce bear visitation using thiabendazole include insufficient conditioning, reluctance of bears to desist in investigating sites that previously contained untreated food, and masking of a treatment effect due to continued encounters of sites by new individuals.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Tilton, Mary Kathryn. "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Population Reconstruction for Black Bear (Ursus americanus) and White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Population Management." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/35455.

Full text

Abstract:

This study was a comprehensive evaluation of population reconstruction techniques. Population reconstruction techniques are population estimation methods that calculate a minimum population size based on age-specific harvest data (Downing 1980, Roseberry and Woolf 1991). Population reconstruction techniques share the following characteristics: 1) utilization of catch-at-age data and 2) backward addition of cohorts to estimate a minimum population size. I developed a questionnaire to survey the biologists participating in this survey to determine the most common reconstruction technique used to estimate population sizes of exploited white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and black bear (Ursus americanus). Downing reconstruction (Downing 1980) was the most commonly used reconstruction technique among biologists participating in this study. Based on a comprehensive literature review and discussions with state biologists, I decided to evaluate virtual reconstruction (Roseberry and Woolf 1991) and develop a new reconstruction technique: Reverse Order reconstruction. I developed a quantitative population model in Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 to evaluate the ability of the 3 reconstruction techniques to estimate population sizes given a variety of conditions. I evaluated the effects of stochasticity on reconstruction population estimates by incorporating different levels of environmental stochasticity (i.e. process error) and measurement error in the generated or "known" population. I also evaluated the effects of collapsing age classes and aging biases on population estimates. In all conditions, Downing and virtual reconstruction were underestimates of the actual population size. Reverse Order reconstruction more closely estimated the actual population size, but is also more data-intensive than the other 2 methods. Measurement error introduces more uncertainty in the reconstructed population estimates than does process error. The population simulation model proved that Downing and virtual reconstruction are consistently underestimates and the percent underestimation is due to lack of inclusion of a natural mortality rates in population estimation. I used the results of the questionnaire to characterize the harvest datasets of the states participating in this study. From these results, I chose two harvest datasets to further analyze: a white-tailed deer harvest dataset from North Carolina and a black bear harvest dataset from Pennsylvania. I analyzed these datasets with Downing and virtual reconstruction. I also applied the quantitative population model to these datasets to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of measurement error on the variance of the population estimates. I found that Downing and virtual reconstruction estimated the population sizes very closely to one another, within 5%, for both datasets, and the reconstructed estimates closely tracked the actual harvest numbers. I also found that increasing levels of measurement error increased the variance associated with reconstructed population estimates and may decrease the ability of these techniques to accurately capture population trends.
Master of Science

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

O'Neill, Deborah M. "Estimating Black Bear Population Size, Growth Rate, and Minimum Viable Population Using Bait Station Surveys and Mark-Recapture Methods." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/34140.

Full text

Abstract:

We initiated bait station surveys for black bears in southwestern Virginia in 1999. Bait station surveys are intended to be used as an index to follow bear population trend over time. We compared the bait station visitation (black bear visitation) to black bear harvest and mast surveys 1999 = 2002. The mean bait station visitation rate during 1999 - 2002 was 15.3% (SE = 2.89, n = 4). The number of bears harvested in the 3 counties that also had bait station surveys was 48 (31 males, 17 females), 59 (44 males, 15 females), 45 (32 males, 13 females), and 43 (26 males, 17 females) in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively. Harvest of males and females differed (n = 2, F = 19.44, df = 1, P = 0.0045). Bait station visitation and female harvest had a strong functional relationship with a negative slope (n = 4, r = -0.78, P = 0.22). The strongest relationship was between male harvest and total harvest (n = 4, r = 0.97, P = 0.03). Mean index to mast production for 1999 - 2002 was 2.3 (range 1.5 - 3.1), 2.7 (range 1.8 - 3.4), 2.3 (range 1.6 - 3.6), and 1.6 (range 1.2 - 2.4), respectively. The overall summary for mast production for the same years was described as fair, good, fair, and poor to fair. Mast production was significantly different between years (n = 4, F = 3.44, df = 3, P = 0.0326), and soft and hard mast production appeared to be above average in 2000. This corresponded with the lowest visitation (10.2%) of the 4 years. There was no correlation between bait station visitation and mast production (n = 4, r = 0.11, P = 0.87). Since 1998, the annual bear harvest in Virginia has exceeded 900 individuals (with the exception of 824 in 2001), and peaked in 2000 when 1,000 bears were harvested. Though harvest rates were high, a reliable population estimate did not exist for black bears in Virginia. We estimated population size, growth rate, and minimum viable population size using data collected between 1995-2000. We used Jolly-Seber, direct recovery, and minimum population size methods to estimate population size. The Jolly-Seber method estimate of adult female density was 0.23-0.64 bears/km2, and 0.01 bears/km2 for adult males. We estimated a density of 0.09-0.23 bears/km2 for all sex and age classes using direct recovery data. Using minimum population size, we found adult female density was higher than any other sex or age class (n = 6, t = 2.02, df = 40, P < 0.0001) with an average density of 0.055 adult females/km2. We used mark-recapture data collected from 148 individual bears (96 males:52 females) captured 270 times in program MARK to estimate survival using recapture, dead recovery, and Burnham's combined models. Adult females had the highest survival rate of 0.84-0.86, while yearling males had the lowest with 0.35. Using direct recovery data, adult females again had the highest survival rate with 0.93 (0.83-1.0) and 3-year old males had the lowest with 0.59 (0.35-0.83). We estimated growth rate using population estimates from Jolly-Seber, direct recoveries, and minimum population size methods. The lowest growth rate estimated was for all females (ages lumped) using minimum population size data (Î»=0.82). Direct recovery data for all bears (sex and age lumped) during 1995 - 2000 showed the highest positive annual growth rate (Î» = 1.24). We developed a population model using Mathcad 8 Professional to determine population growth rate, MVP, and harvest effects for an exploited black bear population in southwestern Virginia. We used data collected during the CABS study (1995 - 2000) in the model including population estimates derived from direct recovery data, age and sex specific survival rates, and cub sex ratios. When we used actual population values in the model, the bear population in southwestern Virginia did not go extinct in 100 years (l = 1.03, r = 0.03). When we reduced adult female survival from 0.94 to 0.89, the probability of extinction in 100 years was 3.0% and l = 0.99 (r = -0.01; Table 3.2). When the survival was reduced by an additional 0.01 to 0.88, the probability of extinction increased to 13.0% (l = 0.99, r = -0.01). Growth rate and extinction probabilities were very sensitive to adult female survival rates. Two-year old and 3-year old females did not impact extinction probabilities and growth rates as much as adult females. Their survival could be decreased by 44.0%, and still be less than the 5.0% extinction probability.
Master of Science

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Black bear Black bear Black bear DNA'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles