International Bear News Quarterly Newsletter of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) and the IUCN/SSC Bear Specialist Group May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2

Contents Council News 2 From the President 4 Secretary's Report: IBA Election 4 Journal News 5 IBA Grants Awarded Eurasia 6 Yakutia Brown Bear Foods 7 IBA Supports USA/Russia Polar Bear Agreement 8 News from Thailand 8 Brown Bears on the Move in LIVINGLIVING Serbia, Slovakia and Turkey 9 Brown Bear Attack in Central Sweden WITH BEARS North America 10 Bear Numbers Decline at McNeil River 14th IBA Conference 11 Alaska: Kodiak Management STEINKJER 2002 13 Central USA and Canada: Michigan Staff & Manitoba Big Bear 13 Updating American Black Bear Management 15 Quebec: Wrong Bear Euthanized 15 Grizzly Bears & Army Cutworm Moths 16 SE USA: Arkansas & North Carolina Harvests Events 18 SW USA & Mexico: Operation Bear Den, 32 Grizzly Bears: Small Populations Workshop Texas Working Groups, Mexico Meeting 32 Eighth Western Black Bear Workshop Zoo News 32 Future IBA Conferences 21 Webcam Cubs in Sweden 32 2nd International Bear Symposium 21 Bear TAG Assists Sun Bear Study 32 Bryoria Workshop Student Forum 33 14th IBA Conference Information 22 New Student List Serve 35 14th IBA Conference Program 23 Data Collection: Nothing but the Facts, Ma'am 37 14th IBA Conference Excursions Bears in Culture 38 14th IBA Post-conference Trips 28 Bear-hunting Dogs 39 14th IBA Registration Form Communications IBA 30 New Bear Safety Videos 40 About the IBA and Contact Information 37 15th E. Black Bear Workshop Proceedings 41 IBA Membership Application & Survey 31 Polar Bear Specialist Group Home Page 43 IBA Publications Order Form

IBA website: www.bearbiology.com Council News From the President

Harry Reynolds Conferences State of the IBA Economy Alaska Department of Fish and Game The 14th international IBA confer- Although IBA is growing and now 1300 College Road ence will be held in Norway this July includes about 750 members, some Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA (see pages 33-39). This promises to be functions are under-funded. We Phone (907) 459-7238 an outstanding meeting in a spectacu- remain an entirely volunteer non- Fax (907) 451-9723 lar Norwegian fjord setting. The theme profit organization with no employ- Email of “Living with Bears” is an important ees; we contract for the editing and [email protected] one to all of us. See page 32 for production of Ursus. information about other conferences. The IBA grants program funds If, 100 years from now, bear research, management, and conserva- populations are at least as secure Elections tion efforts, primarily for projects that than they are today, it should be in During the 13th conference, promise the greatest conservation gain part due to the commitments made members voted to improve interna- for bears with very modest support. by today’s IBA members. It is not tional representation and to provide The demand for assistance with at-risk enough to view stewardship of bear better continuity within the IBA bear conservation issues far exceeds populations as an intellectual council. Because of the importance our funding ability, so most of our exercise of what could be achieved if of international issues in bear support has gone to projects in only others would listen. Rather it is conservation and our increasing countries with emerging economies. a matter of searching for solutions to involvement in such issues, it is Sales of institutional or agency persistent problems or questions that crucial that we also have broad-based memberships and the journal Ursus affect the continued existence of international representation. Mem- are low and council is exploring bears and bear habitat. Achievement bers changed the bylaws to include avenues to increase these. Sugges- of our goals will not come from two vice president positions, one for tions from members will be very flashes of brilliant scientific break- Eurasia and one for the Americas. In welcome. Are Ursus and International through but by application of many addition, the election of the vice Bear News useful in your efforts? small but sure steps toward bear president-Eurasia and two of the five Would you favor IBA membership conservation. council seats are now held in con- including both publications for one All IBA members should be junction with the first Eurasian price? involved in this commitment, meeting following the Americas If your institution or a co-worker through research, management, conference. Currently nine of 12 would benefit, convince them to education, or community involve- council positions are held by North become a member. Donations can ment. Our publications and confer- Americans, provide memberships to deserving ences serve are forums for the The Nominating Committee educators, managers or researchers. exchange of ideas and challenges provided a slate of excellent candi- Donations of airline miles for among members. Education of policy dates for the upcoming election (see recipients of travel grants to confer- makers is crucial but no more so page 4). The bylaws also provide that ences are welcome. than that of local people who must additional nominations will be Council approved $2,250 for the share their resources with bears. accepted by the secretary 65 days IBA grants program. Including this Commitment of time and energy at prior to the conference, until May amount, a total of only $17,000 was all levels contribute to the end goal. 24, 2002. These are working posi- available for the grants program, due It is as a group that we are most tions and require a substantial time primarily to poor stock market effective. Contact me if you are commitment. Candidate statements peformance. See page 5 for a sum- interested in supporting efforts on of about 250 words should accom- mary of 2002 IBA grant awards. any front. pany nominations. Mail-in ballots Donations to any IBA program are will be sent to all members. used to provide the greatest benefit to bear conservation. If you have suggestions or observations on how IBA could more effectively meet its goals on behalf of bear conservation, contact me.

2 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Council News

Bylaws Changes conference locations and times will nees are members, have agreed to Council passed a number of be flexible, but generally there will run for office, and have agreed to interim amendments to the bylaws be two conferences every three years serve if elected. All nominations (see below). The amendments will with conferences alternating between received will be placed on a ballot remain in effect until voted upon by the Americas and Eurasia. In addi- and circulated to IBA members, in the membership. The interim tion, Council may sponsor addi- the Newsletter or by mail. Election of amendments include a new section tional conferences in “off years,” the Vice President (Eurasia) and two stating that IBA will not tolerate when viable proposals have been elected Council seats will follow the discrimination. Another defines the received from potential host coun- same procedures but the timing of timing and location of conferences. tries and Council feels that such the nominations and election will be Finally, amendments were made to conferences would further the goals related to the dates that the Eurasian permit nominations for IBA offices to of IBA around the world. conference is held. be accepted until 65 days prior to the In addition to general conferences, Section 2. Balloting. appropriate conference rather than Council may at any time choose to The election of all officers shall be 90 days, to allow ballots to be mailed sponsor or provide various types of by mail ballot. Ballots will be to members; and to prevent incum- support for other workshops and provided before the appropriate bents seeking re-election to handle meetings. These are typically nar- Conference. Ballots will be accepted ballots. These last changes are rower in scope than general confer- by the Secretary until the Association underlined. Any member may ences, focusing on specific topics, meeting, or by a replacement propose amendments to the bylaws. species, or regional issues related to designated by the President if the bear conservation, research, and Secretary is running for an office. At Article II. Memberships. management. the Association meeting the Nomi- Section 5 (New). Discrimination. Article V. Elections. nating Committee will open and In any of its functions, IBA will Section 1. Nominations. tabulate all ballots. Members of the not tolerate discrimination against Six months prior to the conference Nominating Committee who are any person on the basis of gender, held in the Americas, the President running for office at the time of sexual orientation, race, religion, shall appoint a Nominating Commit- balloting may not perform this country of national origin, or tee. Within 30 days of the beginning function, but the President will professional discipline. A finding by of this period, the Nominating appoint replacements. The nominee a two-thirds vote of Council that any Committee shall provide to the receiving the largest number of votes IBA member, contractor or employee Secretary the names of at least two for each office shall be elected. is guilty of discrimination or sexual regular members as nominees for Council nominees with the largest harassment will be cause for appro- each of the four offices, including number of votes shall be elected to priate disciplinary action. nominees for Vice President (Ameri- the Council. In the event of a tie, the Article VI. Periodic Meetings. cas), but not Vice President (Eurasia), presiding Council shall immediately Section 1. Date and Place. and at least one name for each of the vote by secret ballot to decide the Periodic conferences and associ- three elected Council seats The winner. The results of the election ated general membership meetings incumbent officers can be re- shall be reported at the next mem- shall be set by the Council. Confer- nominated for offices or the Council bership business meeting and in the ence Organizers are expected to unless they decline or are elected to first Newsletter following the follow IBA Conference Guidelines another office. The Secretary will election. and communicate progress regularly compile the list of nominees received with Council. from the Nomination Committee When choosing conference dates along with any additional nomina- and locations, the Council shall tions. Additional nominations, consider both a) the regional make- including candidate statements, will up of the membership and b) how be accepted by the Secretary from conference siting can positively any member up until 65 days prior influence bear conservation in host to the appropriate conference. Any locations. Selection criteria for nominator must certify that nomi-

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 3 Council News Secretary’s Report: Journal News IBA Election

Joseph D. Clark Richard Harris Support Your U.S. Geological Survey Ursus Editor Local Librarians! Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory 218 Evans Strong-arm Them into University of Tennessee Missoula, MT, 59801, USA Subscribing to Ursus! 274 Ellington Hall Phone & Fax (406) 542-6399 We are now encouraging libraries Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA Email [email protected] and reading rooms that routinely Phone 865-974-4790 maintain collections of wildlife Email [email protected] Ursus Update literature to subscribe to Ursus. We Ursus 12 is out and available for have sent free copies of volumes 11 The nominations committee of sale (use the form on page 43 or at and 12 to more than 100 university Jon Swenson, Djuro Huber, Lydia www.bearbiology.com); Ursus 13 is libraries in the U.S. and Canada, Kolter and Karen Noyce provided IBA shaping up well and will be pub- institutions overseas with compli- council with the following candi- lished during autumn 2002. Look mentary memberships, as well as a dates for the upcoming election: for the contents of Ursus 13 in the few agencies and non-governmental Eurasian Vice President: August newsletter. That must mean organizations. Our intent in doing • Jon Swenson (Norway) the Ursus staff is gearing up for so is to encourage these libraries to • Jiska van Dijk (The Netherlands) Ursus 14. subscribe, and thus receive future Two Council Positions: volumes regularly. Our letter to • Diana Doan-Crider (USA) Ursus Needs Associate Editors them encouraged that, but much • Piero Genovesi (Italy) Acting as associate editor is one of stronger incentive comes from face- • Djuro Huber (Croatia) the most rewarding, if challenging, to-face communication, or personal • Dave Immell (USA) ways to make a contribution to the letters from staff or friends. If you • Georg Rauer (Austria) IBA and our professional journal. work at a university, an agency that • Mike Vaughan (USA) Associate editors for Ursus assist the maintains a collection of scientific Additional nominations will be editor in ensuring that peer reviews literature, or any type of organiza- accepted until May 24, 2002. IBA are conducted in a timely manner. tion with a reading room or litera- members may nominate themselves They also provide their own review ture collection, please contact the or other members. All candidates of papers assigned to them. They collections manager and encourage must be current members of IBA and then make recommendations to the them to subscribe to Ursus. It’s willing to serve on the IBA council. authors if revisions are necessary, coming out regularly now (in the Send nominations to the address and ultimately make a recommenda- autumn of each year) and the above. tion to the editor regarding accep- quality keeps getting better. Institu- By June 1, 2002, a final slate of tance or rejection. Associate editors tional subscriptions are US$100/year candidates, statements by each may be assigned up to seven papers or US$250 for three years. candidate, and a ballot will be in any calendar year. mailed to all IBA members. It’s an important task, and requires that some time be set aside for it. It also requires being able to deal effectively with authors and review- ers, and demonstrated skills to assess strengths and weaknesses of techni- cal manuscripts. We need volunteers to act as associate editor for Ursus 14 now. If you’re interested, please contact me. (Failure to volunteer is not a guarantee you won’t be asked.)

4 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Council News IBA Grants

Frederick C. Dean 2002 IBA Grants Awarded All grant recipients have been Chair, Grant Review Committee The IBA Grant Review Committee requested to provide descriptions of 810 Ballaine Road has completed its review of 24 their work and results for the IBA Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-6607, USA proposals (one was withdrawn) and newsletter. The Chaparri project was Phone (907) 479-6607 has authorized grants to five appli- described in the February 2002 Email [email protected] cants. The funds available this year newsletter and Robison’s work is were somewhat reduced as a result of described on page 15. Grants Due poor stock market performance, In addition to the basic quality of December 31, 2002 however a total of $17,000 was made the project outlined, the committee Grant requests for 2003 must be available to the committee: $12,250 attempted to consider such factors as received by December 31, 2002. from the John Sheldon Bevins the status of the species or popula- Applications for grants must be in Memorial Foundation (after travel tion concerned, the significance of English and sent electronically, grant funds were subtracted), $2,000 the proposed work to bear conserva- unless it is simply not possible. The from an anonymous donor, and tion, and the relative availability of IBA application must be used $2,250 from the IBA council’s other funds for doing the work. (available from the address above or resources. The 23 active proposal Fortunately, the committee members at www.bearbiology.com). Applica- requests totaled nearly $130,000. made very similar assessments when tions should not exceed four pages in Many very deserving proposals were ranking the proposals. length not counting budgets, not funded. We reviewed proposals The current committee would like endorsements, and other supporting for work dealing with six bear species to thank all applicants and those documents which may be attached. in nine countries. who provided references for their The application must include a The successful applicants and their help with the task. We also want to description of all items listed on the proposals are: reiterate our thanks to the John grant application form. Proposals • William Leacock, doctoral Sheldon Bevins Memorial Founda- will be strengthened if IBA funds are student at the University of Idaho— tion, an anonymous donor, and the matched in part with funds from population ecology, genetics, habitat IBA council for supporting the grant other sources. use, and movements of Ursus arctos program. As committee chair, I want The IBA council has directed the in Kamchatka ($8,000). to publicly express my appreciation grant review committee to give • Bernard Peyton and Heinze for the guidance and help provided special consideration to proposals Plenge, Chaparri Program—training by the other members of a widely from countries where project fund- continuity for local workers estab- scattered committee. They are: Todd ing is difficult to obtain. However, lishing a conservation program for Fuller (University of Massachusetts), proposals will be considered from all Tremarctos ornatus in Peru ($3,500). Al LeCount (Arizona Game and Fish parts of the world, from graduate • Hillary Robison, doctoral Commission, ret., and Hocking students, and from established student at the University of Nevada, College), Jon Swenson (Agricultural workers. The committee will attempt Reno—completion of genetics work University of Norway), and Gordon to fund proposals which they on an ecological study of army Warburton (North Carolina Wildlife determine to most likely benefit cutworm moth in the Rocky Moun- Resources Commission). significant, biologically sound bear tains, USA ($1,700, final year of three conservation and management years of support; see page 15.) efforts. • S. Sathyakumar, Wildife Changes in the grant review Institute of India—survey of and process are being considered, so conflict resolution relating to U. watch the newsletter and the website arctos in India ($1,500). (www.bearbiology.com) carefully. • Cora Varas, doctoral student at the University of Arizona—genetic characterization of T. ornatus in Ecuador ($2,300).

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 5 Eurasia Yakutia Brown Bear Foods

Innokentiy Innokentievich Mordosov abundance does P. sibirica provide of mountains and hills, where the Zoology Department enough autumn food for fat accumula- snow melts first. Here in the blazing Yakut State University tion by the brown bear. sun the first green grass appears. Kalandaraschvili str., 40/2-35 Most commonly seeds are a supple- Here the grazing beasts may be seen Yakutsk 677008, Russia mentary food. V. uliginosumi and V. twenty-four hours a day. Phone (8-4112) 25-33-51 vitis-idaea berries are prominent brown By June, the beasts switch wholly to Fax (8-4112) 26-09-34 bear foods. In all seasons, grassy plants cereals, sedges and horse-tails. Cereals Email [email protected] are the primary diet. and sedge plants are gradually reduced c/o [email protected] The main fattening food of the and by August the beasts feed only on brown bear are V. uliginosumi berries particular species, i.e. Agropyron repens. In Yakutia, vegetable matter is the which ripen at the end of July and Then succulent tall-herbaceous base of the brown bear’s diet. Preda- early August, and are available until vegetation appears—Heracleum tory behavior is rare and is usually the the first snowfall. V. vitis-idaea is lissectuna, Rumex thyrsiflorus, result of a seasonal crop failure or widespread in Yakutia. Its berries Filipendula palmate, leguminous absence of primary vegetable foods. overwinter on the bushes. After Trifolium lupinaster and Vicia cracca. Food varies with the seasons of the leaving its den, the brown bear feeds They compirse the primary bear diet year and geographic zones. on the previous year’s V. vitis-idaea until berries ripen. Bears feed on the The main brown bear foods are berries until grassy plants begin to Eguisetum varie horse-tail during all Pinus pumila seeds and Vaccinium grow. In a year following an abundant snowless periods. Besides the brown uliginosumi berries in the mountainous crop of V. vitis-idaea berries, all brown bear, wild and domestic ungulates and mountain-taiga areas of southern bear feces found in May and June also consume E. varie. Chamaenerum and northeastern Yakutia. Almost (n=122) contained its berries and angustifolium, which grows in freshly every year abundant crops of V. leaves. An abundance of V. vitis-idaea burned areas, is an important source uliginosumi berries are available in berries in spring may increase cub of minerals for bears. southern Yakutia. Vaccinium vitis–idaea survival. In years following an abun- Ants play an important role in the fruits often and abundantly, and is dance of berries, the frequency of diet. In spring, brown bears destroy consumed in great quantities in years females with two-to-three cubs ant hills. Remains of ants have been of poor berry crops. An abundant increased. Limited Rubes rubrum and found in 60.6% of spring feces fruiting of P. pumila occurs every two- Rubes panciflorum along rivers and (n=122). Searching for carpenter ants, to-three years. P. pumila seeds supply streams have little importance in the bears overturn rotten stumps and brown bears with high calorie food in brown bear diet. The berries of fallen trees. Among destroyed ant hills autumn and after den emergence in Vaccinium myrtillus and Ribes dikuscha (n=157) 55.3% were Camponotus sp. spring. In the Chersky and Momsky are of particular concern in the bear and 44.7% were Formica sp. The ridges and in the Yukaghirskoye diet. In areas where R. dikuscha is Formica anthills examined (19.7%) plateau, brown bear feces contained abundant in flood-plain larches, it has were fully ravaged and no ants primarily P. pumila seeds, V. uliginosumi great value. In areas of abundant remained. Bears prefer large ant hills; and V. vitis-idaea berries, and Empetrum Sorbus sibirica and Padus asiatica, the the largest ravaged ant hills had base sibiricum. In summer, grassy plants are beasts feed on the berries. In the light diameters of 1.2–1.3 m. the primary diet. larch forest the berries of Rubus In summer, ants in the diet decrease In southwestern and southern chamaemorus prevail in the diet. In and then increase again in autumn. Yakutia the main fattening foods are search of these berries the beasts travel Apparently before hibernation bears Pinus sibirica seeds and Vaccinium far into the tundra zone where consume ants and their building uliginosumi berries. P. sibirica grows in fattening foods are V. uliginosum and R. materials to clean their gastrointestinal small quantities on the summits and chamaemorus berries. In years of tract and form the “cork.” Following upper slopes of hills along with Larix abundant berries, the bears winter in the tracks of brown bears going to dahurica, Pinus silvestris and Picea the tundra zone. their dens (n=5) we found bowel obovata. Abundant crops of P. sibirica The main summer diet of the contents, which contained berries and seeds occur every six-to-eight years, Yakutia brown bear is grassy plants. leaves of V. uliginosumi, V. vitis-idaea, and, in between, production is After leaving their dens, bears ant chitin and ant building material. medium or poor. Only in years of concentrate on the southern slopes In southwestern Yakutia most feeding

6 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Eurasia IBA Supports USA/Russia Polar Bear Agreement

was on F. picea, F. execta, C. herculeamis attracted to the carcasses and become Scott Schliebe sachalinensis, C. saxatilis and a consid- predatory on cattle. Polar Bear Project Leader erably lesser quantity of Lasius nigres, In areas with dense muskrat U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/MMM L. flavus, and Myrmica ruginodis. Feces populations, bears specialize in 1011 E. Tudor Road had remains of Camponotus (47.3%) preying on them. In spring and Anchorage, AK 99503, USA and Formica (35.2%). autumn, the brown bears destroy the Phone (907) 786-3812 The brown bear seldom attacks wild holes of Eutamias sibirica and feed on Fax (907) 786-3816 or domestic ungulates. In the Lyutenga their food stores and the chipmunks. Email [email protected] river basin (Lena river tributary) only In the taiga river valleys and along three successful attacks of brown bears lake shores the brown bear often eat I’d like to extend sincere thanks to on Alces alces have been recorded over 16 voles and lemmings. The brown bear all of the IBA members who wrote to field seasons. Four cases (n=56) of bears finds them by smell, and punching John Turner, U.S. Department of successfully hunting young elk and five with its paw, turns over the turf State, and Gale Norton, U.S. Secre- cases of unsuccessful hunting on wild together with its victim. In summer tary of the Interior, asking them to reindeer have been recorded. Records of the brown bear destroys bird nests support ratification and implement- the Olekminsky Nature Reservation and eats the eggs and nestlings. ing legislation for the U.S.-Russia during 1988-1999 show 13 ungulate Cannibalism is relatively rare and may Polar Bear Agreement (see February deaths from the brown bear, including occur any time of year. In spring, when 2002 newsletter) for the conservation 11 A. alces, one Randifer tarandus and one food resources are limited, big brown of polar bears shared between our Cervus elaphus. Brown bear attacks on bears eat bear cubs. In such years the countries in the Chukchi and Bering adult male elk are never successful. Even survival of bear cubs is sharply reduced. seas. Your letters and those of other a weak male elk can resist a bear. In More commonly the “shatun” bear (a conservation organizations were October 1980 a big six-year-old brown non-hibernating vagrant bear) finds a instrumental in activating the bear was found dead after crushing an denned bear, kills and eats it. We have process to implement the Polar Bear exhausted five-year-old A. alces. A recorded three cases of a “shatun” bear Agreement. As it now stands, the necropsy revealed the brown bear cannibalizing a bear sleeping in a den. In U.S. Department of State is in the last suffered acute abdominal trauma. The years of crop failure of primary fattening stages of developing the ratification bear, of average fatness, apparently foods the “shatun” bears appear in large package for submittal to the White attacked the elk to stockpile it for spring. areas. Among “shatun” bears observed in House. Concurrently, the Depart- The gastrointestinal tract of the brown Yakutia, females with yearlings are ment of Interior is completing the bear was empty and the cork in the absent; apparently the result of the death final review/approval of the draft rectum was already formed. of their cubs. By the end of November legislation which will be submitted In 1976 four dead brown bears were the “shatuns” disappear; they die of to congress for their action to give found in snares after being attracted to exhaustion or freeze. Yakutia literature the agreement the standing of law. the smell of rotting snared, Ovis describes cases of four brown bears dying We are hopeful that the two pro- nivicola. In September 1991, a large from exhaustion and frostbite. No cesses, ratification and legislation, brown bear fed on remains of R. periodicity has been determined for the can be completed during the current tarandus, killed by wolves. appearance of the “shatuns.” For congressional session, and that we Domesticated animals become instance, in 2001, the “shatuns” were can move forward to the positive victims of the brown bear in spring observed only in the Kolyma river basin. efforts for implementation. I am especially when there has been a There appears to be extreme competi- cautious regarding the timing for food failure the previous autumn. In tion between the brown bear and C. these actions however, since it’s summer the brown bears rarely Lupus. We observed a brown bear ignore beyond my ability to forecast the attack domesticated animals. Cases a R. tarandus and kill, with punches of its timing of this political process. of peaceful coexistence of cattle and paws, the wolf chasing it. The brown The important news is that the brown bear have been observed. In bear did not eat the wolf. administration is working diligently agricultural regions, humans attract In Yakutia the brown bear shows to advance the agreement and it is brown bears to domesticated animals plasticity in its diet which contrib- now only a matter of time before the when they improperly dispose of utes to the full use of available food agreement becomes viable and carcasses near settlements. Bears are resources. operational.

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 7 Eurasia News from Thailand Brown Bears on the Move in Serbia, Slovakia and Turkey

Jiska van Dijk ager has not yet approved the International Bear Foundation transfer and the Ministry of Environ- P.O. Box 9 ment has not issued the necessary 3910 AA Rhenen, The Netherlands permits yet. This former nuisance Phone 31-317-617019 bear, which still remains in a very Fax 31-317-613727 small cage in the zoo, has now been Email [email protected] habituated further by keepers bringing it food and giving it Problems facing bear populations attention. The Slovakian welfare in parts of Europe differ in many organization maintains that the bear Robert Steinmetz ways from those in North America or should be radio collared and experi- WWF-Thailand where bear habitat is more secure. mentally released while monitoring 104 Outreach Building Habitat is often intensively managed its movements. According to the Asian Institute of Technology for human uses that do not account organization this bear could, through P.O. Box 4 Klong Luang for the requirements of security and education and publicity, serve as an Pathumtani 12120, Thailand continued existence for bear popula- example for the conditions that Phone 5246128-9 tions. While recognizing that encourage nuisance bears and for Fax 524 6134 dedicating habitat for bears and defining and implementing proper Email [email protected] providing for sustained populations management plans that prevent [email protected] is necessary, education of local these conditions. people and even governments about Serbia Asiatic and Sun Bear the value of bears is also necessary. At the beginning of March 2002, Research Update Serbia, Slovakia and Turkey all two of the three male bears raised in I finished the first set of bear sign have populations of wild brown a zoo and released in Tara National transects, discovering that on bears but their numbers are often Park last November, were causing average, bears in semi-evergreen poorly estimated and many bear- trouble in and around a children’s forests are climbing 35 individual human conflicts exist. In Serbia for camp. The facilities in Zoo Palic were trees per ha. Somewhat surprisingly, instance people have a rather inadequate and the maintenance almost 60 species of trees have been negative attitude towards the few costs too high for the zoo to con- climbed in my sample, and the bears that remain in the wild. tinue to house these three adults (a species-transect curve is still on the Slovakia on the other hand struggles father and two sons). The director of increase, indicating that more bear with its waste management and the zoo had interesting contacts at tree species will be discovered as I problems caused by bears attracted to the ministry level and permits for conduct more transects. it. Logging activity in Turkey results releasing the bears were issued soon. I conducted another round of claw in destruction of den sites and in The argument they used was adding mark analyses (see February 2002 orphaning of bear cubs that are then new blood to the existing small newsletter) with captive bears at a found by foresters. population in Tara National Park. zoo I work with in central Thailand. Slovakia One of the three males was already Once again, rotten chicken was used In October 2001 a nuisance female missing a part of his right front leg to lure bears up a dead tree in their yearling was reported in the Rysy, a before the release. According to local enclosure. I study their claw marks village in the High Tatras. The organizations involved, it was not after they descend. Slovakian welfare organization appropriate to follow our advice to involved strongly insisted on not shoot the two problem bears and a shooting the bear in the first place special team was formed to catch the and took pity on it. A few weeks later this bear was caught and held in a small zoo, waiting for its placement in Poloniny National Park, north- eastern Slovakia, where at least 18 bears live. However, the park man-

© Denis Torres

8 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Eurasia Brown Bear Attack in Central Sweden

bears and bring them back into Andreas Zedrosser found; apparently the self-defense captivity. Unfortunately Zoo Palic & shot had missed. According to the had already demolished their former Bjørn Dahle tracks in the snow the bear had been cage and refused to take them back. Scandinavian Brown Bear Project lying in an open den. No further The limping bear was recaptured and Agricultural University of Norway signs of this bear were found. the other bear disappeared. Together Pb. 5014, 1432 Ås, Norway The factors involved in this with the third bear that was never Phone +47-6494-8516 incident were most likely a bear in seen again after release, it was most Email [email protected] a den, the irritation of the bear by a probably hunted illegally. Due to the dog, and a person very close by. commotion around the troubles that On November 2, 2001, a moose The bear attack might have been a the bears caused near human hunter was attacked by a brown bear false attack that escalated into a settlement, the local people now (Ursus arctos) in central Sweden. The real attack as a result of the self- strongly oppose the presence of wild man was member of a hunting party, defense shot. Two weeks earlier a bears in the area. and tracking moose with a dog. In an bear had been wounded about 15 Turkey area with young spruce plantations km away from the site of the attack, Foresters annually bring orphaned and thus low visibility, the dog and has never been found. There bear cubs to the Dancing Bear Rescue started to bark frantically at some- was no evidence that the bear Center in Karachebey, southwest of thing about 25 m away from the involved in this attack was Bursa. On a 4.5-hectare enclosure hunter, who, after taking a few wounded previously, but the approximately 50 bears are kept, additional steps, recognized a bear in possibility cannot be ruled out. including former dancing bears, a patch of young trees. The man Including this incident, bears have orphaned cubs, or other confiscated tried to withdraw from the bear, but injured eight people in the past 25 bears. The international welfare his dog ran back and forth between years in Scandinavia. Swenson et al. organization that initiated the set up him and the bear and kept on (1996) evaluated the seven other of this center and who was in charge barking at it. After withdrawing cases; six of the persons injured were of its management withdrew offi- about 40 m, the bear was no longer hunters. In five cases, the bear was cially their involvement in the visible to the hunter, but he still wounded or shot at and probably beginning of 2001. However the fate could hear his dog barking at it. The wounded, but cubs, carcasses, dogs of the orphaned bear cubs has attack came at this moment. The and dens were present in some of the already been determined by the man was able to shoot at the bear cases. The last time people were Ministry of Forestry and plans call once, and was then thrown to the killed by bears was in 1902 in for the bears to be released back into ground and bitten on his face, arm, Sweden (wounded bear) and in 1906 the wild. No special training has and leg. The hunter started to scream in Norway (bear surprised at a been given to these bears to survive and the bear was then attacked and carcass). in the wild to enable them to behave bitten by the dog, which was appar- like their wild counterparts or to ently able to drive off the bear. The Literature: minimize habituation towards bear disappeared and the man was Swenson, J. E., F. Sandegren, M. humans. These factors are not able to walk out to the nearest road Heim, S. Brunberg, O. J. Sørensen, A. necessary according to those that are by himself and call for help via a Söderberg, A. Bjärvall, R. Franzén, S. pro-release. walkie-talkie. Wikan, P. Wabakken, and K. A little later on the same day Overskaug. 1996. Er den another hunter went with his dog to skandinaviske bjørnen farlig? the place of the attack. The bear Norwegian Institute for Nature seemed not to be in the area any- Research, Oppdragsmelding 404. (Is more, so the dog was turned loose the Scandinavian brown bear and followed the bear’s tracks for dangerous? In Norwegian with about 1 km, but never came into English summary.) contact with it. The ground was partly covered with snow, and no sign of blood from the bear was

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 9 North America Bear Numbers Decline at McNeil River, Answers Are Sought

Joe Meehan the sanctuary affect the population scarcity of family groups (which are Lands Coordinator of bears or the bear-viewing pro- protected from hunting) and other Alaska Department of Fish and Game gram. A “bear-threshold criterion” less dominant bears in the past Division of Wildlife Conservation was established using the mean of several years, indicate that hunting is 333 Raspberry Road the median number of bears during not a primary cause of the decline of Anchorage, Alaska 99518, USA the peak seven days of the season. bear use at McNeil River. Phone (907) 267-2281 The sanctuary’s Operational Manage- During the peak summer viewing Fax (907) 267-2433 ment Plan states that the department season, some McNeil River bears may Email [email protected] will assess the probable cause of a now be foraging on salmon in & decline in bear use should bear nearby drainages that have high Colleen Matt numbers drop below the lower limit chum salmon returns while the Lands and Public Services of the criterion. If the cause for a McNeil River system continues to Alaska Department of Fish and Game decline could be attributed to human have low returns. Interesting pat- use or activity, this use or activity will terns are revealed when historic bear Staff and visitors at the McNeil River then be modified or discontinued so use at McNeil River Falls is correlated State Game Sanctuary have recently that it minimally affects the quality with salmon escapement indices noticed a decline in the numbers of of the bear-viewing experience in the from McNeil River and adjacent bears fishing at the river and a change sanctuary. systems. When bear counts at in the sex ratio and age structure of Bear counts at the falls have McNeil Falls were very high (e.g., the bears. However, as with any fallen below the criterion’s lower 1985, 1990, 1997), chum salmon natural phenomenon, the cause and limit for the past three years and escapements to adjacent streams effect relationships to these changes some people blame bear hunting were low. Conversely, when bear are likely complex yet they must be outside the sanctuary and over- counts at McNeil Falls were low (e.g., understood before a cause can be cited fishing by the commercial fleet as 1999, 2000, 2001), salmon escape- and solutions put into action. primary causes of this recent ments into adjacent streams were First, the “decline” in bear use of decline. However, sanctuary very high, relative to McNeil River. McNeil River Falls must be put in managers feel the primary reason is This may be indicative that bears will perspective. As an indicator, the a shift in bear distribution during feed at sites other than McNeil River department compares the annual mid-summer rather than a result of when a food supply is available; mean number of bears seen at the legal hunting in areas to the north however, these patterns may also most auspicious hour of the day and west of the sanctuary. While partly be due to a delay in the bear’s from the peak seven days at the falls. some of these areas have recently response to yearly fluctuations in Since 1990, that number has fallen experienced an increase in bear food levels at McNeil River. Because from 61 bears to 39 bears in 2001. harvest, several factors suggest that bears are long-lived intelligent Thus, our concern is the relative hunting is not a factor: 1) McNeil animals, they establish strong number of bears, rather than of bears River State Game Sanctuary is on traditional use patterns. In the short- abandoning the area altogether the edge of a contiguous complex of term, if a food shortage occurs bears (although recently there have been lands totaling 14,460 km2 that has may actually spend more time trying days in the shoulder seasons when been closed to bear hunting for to meet their nutritional needs. In only one or two bears are seen many years; 2) the drop in bear use the long-term, they abandon an during a day). Visitors to McNeil began three years before there was a unproductive food source and move River in mid-summer will still see an significant increase in bear harvest to one that is more fruitful. abundance of bears and it remains during the fall of 1999; and 3) the Assertions that fisheries misman- the world’s largest concentration of sex ratio and age structure of bears agement over the past 13 years is a brown bears. killed near the sanctuary does not cause of the chum salmon decline at In 1992, the Alaska Department of suggest an overharvested regional McNeil River are not substantiated Fish and Game developed the long- bear population. This information by information the department has term brown bear monitoring pro- combined with other observations collected. Commercial fishery gram for McNeil River Falls to assess at McNeil River, such as a prepon- openings targeting McNeil River whether human activities in or near derance of adult males and the chum salmon have been restricted

10 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 North America Alaska

since 1988, with most years closed Steven Kovach wildlife resource, and to address for the majority, if not all, of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge public safety concerns. chum salmon return. In fact, since P.O. Box 346 Although the population of bears 1993 only five chum salmon have Bethel, AK 99559, USA on the Kodiak archipelago is pres- been caught commercially in the Phone (907) 543-1023 ently healthy and its habitat gener- McNeil River Subdistrict. It is Fax (907) 543-4413 ally well protected, no management possible that the high number of Email [email protected] plan had been formalized. Because bears, combined with limited management of the bears and their commercial harvest and variable Send your news from Alaska to the habitat is a shared responsibility of high seas conditions, have shaped address above. News from Alaska has ADF&G and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife the size and timing of the fish runs been quiet for the last couple of Service, which manages Kodiak at McNeil. issues due to the U.S. Fish and National Wildlife Refuge, the two The sanctuary’s managers are Wildlife Service being “off line.” agencies pooled their resources to currently considering research However, we are now back in the work with the public. projects to investigate the McNeil 21st century. Other government agencies (local, River chum salmon population state, and federal) were involved in dynamics. Research will likely Kodiak Archipelago and committed to the plan’s devel- examine such factors as the available Bear Conservation & opment. The public’s involvement spawning habitat in the system, Management Plan with, in fact its ownership of, the salmon stream life and the establish- plan was considered crucial to the ment of an in-river escapement goal Larry Van Daele planning process. The final manage- to account for predation of pre- Alaska Department of Fish and Game ment plan needed to reflect the spawning salmon by bears. This 211 Mission Road public’s desires and concerns for information may be incorporated Kodiak, AK 99615-6399, USA continued use of and coexistence into the fisheries management plan with bears if it was to have credibil- for the McNeil River system and will Over the past year the Alaska ity and validity. Thus, a combination result in a better understanding of Department of Fish and Game of public involvement and govern- the relationships between bears and (ADF&G) has spearheaded a public ment commitment were the keys to the fluctuations in salmon popula- process to develop a bear-manage- the success of developing a bear tions. Combining this knowledge ment plan for the Kodiak archi- management plan for the Kodiak with past research conducted by pelago. This plan was developed by a archipelago. Polly Hessing and others will allow Citizen’s Advisory Committee with To provide information so that the the department to better understand agency biologists acting as technical committee could make recommenda- the natural resources of the sanctu- advisors, not final decision makers. tions for the conservation and ary and will be used to fine-tune our This plan was needed because of management of Kodiak archipelago sanctuary management actions if increased demand for diverse bears, the plan includes chapters on deemed appropriate. However, the recreational opportunities on Kodiak the biology, history, and manage- current decline in bear use may and the need to minimize negative ment of Kodiak bears prior to simply be a natural, short-lived bear-human interactions. Those who January 2001. phenomenon or may be part of live, work, and recreate in proximity Kodiak bears live throughout most decadal changes for which remedial to these bears needed to develop a of the Kodiak archipelago and use actions are not practical. management plan reflecting current virtually all available habitats from The Alaska Department of Fish research in bear biology, habitat, and the coast to alpine regions. The and Game will continue to work on behavior while recognizing both archipelago is considered high- our understanding of the McNeil traditional and contemporary uses of quality bear habitat, containing River ecosystem with the goal of the resource. The purpose of the plan ample food, water, cover, and space. sustaining one of the most remark- is to recommend measures to help Currently, the human population able wildlife viewing experiences in ensure the sustainability of the and related human development the world. Kodiak bear population, to respond have had minimal impacts on bear to the public’s desire for uses of this habitat. Potential threats include

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 11 North America Alaska, cont’d.

seasonal human use of inland and ments, and population estimations. accurate information in order to coastal areas, future developments In the 1980s and 1990s, research cultivate a well-informed public. (e.g., road and energy development) expanded to include most of the Those who live, work, and recreate and related problems (e.g., oil spills) representative habitats on Kodiak on the Kodiak archipelago need clear and natural occurrences (e.g., Island. Routine monitoring, based and useful information about bears reduction in salmon stocks). Kodiak on research results and harvest in order to build understanding of bears are adaptable. reports, allows biologists to track bear behavior and to minimize Bear habitat and bear-human and manage human impacts on negative bear-human interactions. In relationship are intimately inter- bears. New research will fill infor- addition, with understanding and twined; if people are not willing to mation gaps and will be needed to preparation, people can avoid bear make an effort to live around bears, address increasing and changing encounters and respond wisely when large expanses of wilderness areas demands for the Kodiak bear they do occur. The committee made where people rarely go are neces- resource. The committee recom- recommendations on the develop- sary for sustainable bear popula- mended that ADF&G and Kodiak ment and dissemination of educa- tions. With this information in National Wildlife Refuge provide tional and public outreach materials mind, the committee made a funding and staffing adequate to regarding the following subjects: number of recommendations to continue conducting research and general user education, hunter protect bear habitat on the Archi- monitoring of the Kodiak bear education, off-road vehicle user pelago regarding: land use, acquisi- population and its habitat. The first education, angler education, U.S. tion, and planning; activities on priority should be continued Coast Guard education, economic Afognak Island; minimizing habitat monitoring of the harvest and incentives and land management, degradation; road building in bear population trends in established village and rural residents, and habitat; motorized access; bear-use survey areas; in addition, other funding for education efforts. areas; human activities in bear monitoring and research activities The Kodiak Archipelago Bear habitat; introduced species; and should be continued or initiated. Conservation and Management Plan salmon as a part of bear habitat. The committee believes that the was distributed to the public, There are a variety of situations in widespread dissemination of accu- presented at a series of public which bears and humans interact: rate, fact-based information concern- meetings from mid-May through the killing of bears in defense of life or ing Kodiak bears is essential for end of October 2001, and posted on property; solid-waste management conserving bears and their habitat on the project’s website: http:// and storage of human and pet food; the Kodiak archipelago. The primary www.state.ak.us/adf/wildlife/geninfo/ livestock ranching; bear-viewing objectives of current Kodiak bear- planning/kodiakbb.htm. Public activities; public-use and remote education efforts are to reduce comments were incorporated into cabins in bear habitat; other recre- negative bear-human interactions the final plan published in February ational activities in bear habitat, etc. and to increase appreciation for and 2002. With publication of this plan, The committee thoroughly discussed understanding of bears and their strategies for implementing the the issues involving bear-human habitat. The committee examined a recommendations will be developed. interactions and made recommenda- number of ways to enhance the Final implementation is contingent tions that can have a significant current educational effort by estab- on the standard policy processes of impact on the future management of lishing educational programs that each agency or governing body. Kodiak bears. provide accurate information Kodiak bears have been the resulting in continued conservation subjects of formal research for the and management of Kodiak bears. past 60 years. Initial research The key to any educational effort is centered on bear-cattle and bear- cooperation and commitment by all salmon conflicts. By the 1960s, concerned to provide science-based, research activities evolved into a more holistic approach, looking into feeding habits, reproductive potential, growth rates, move-

12 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 North America Central Updating American Black Bear Management USA and Canada

Pam Coy Hank Hristienko recognize that a change has occurred Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources Big Game Monitoring Coordinator and to adapt and/or modify our Forest Wildlife Populations and Manitoba Conservation–Wildlife Branch strategies, if warranted, to suit the Research Group Box 24–200 Saulteaux Cres. new environment. 1201 East Highway 2 Winnipeg, MB R3J 3W3, Canada In response to these ever- Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA Phone (204) 945-7771 changing dynamics, Manitoba has Phone (218) 327-4159 Fax (204) 945-3077 initiated a review of its current Fax (218) 327-4181 Email [email protected] black bear management strategies Email [email protected] (spring harvest segment, use of Perceived or real, across North baits, allocation of non-resident Michigan: America, American black bear numbers hunting opportunities, problem New Bear Biologist are increasing and coincidentally, so bear management) to determine Effective April 15, Dwayne Etter are nuisance/problem conflicts. What whether the strategies implemented (email [email protected]) has has changed that can help explain this since the early 1980s are applicable been hired as the bear research recent phenomenon? As human within this new scenario. The biologist for the Michigan Depart- development results in continued review focuses on the sustainability ment of Natural Resources. He fills urban sprawl and encroaches on the of the bear hunt. Coincidentally or the position previously held by Larry bear’s expanding domain, conver- consequently, problem bear man- Visser. Larry transferred to a wildlife gence, and thus interaction are agement has become an integral planner/ecologist position a little inevitable. In many localities, bears are part of an overall bear management over a year ago. reclaiming what they had previously strategy and its aim should be to Dwayne received his Ph.D. from lost largely in part to changes to the “cut the best deal for the bear.” This the University of Illinois in Natural dynamics of the landscape. At one premise ensures that the bear Resources and Environmental time, rural communities lived by the remains a valued asset (a sustain- Sciences, and his M.S. from Western adage “if it has eyes, its dies.” Prior to able resource) rather than an Illinois University. He has conducted the 1980s, landowners would generally unwanted expenditure (translocated research on a variety of urban kill bears on sight in agricultural areas and/or dispatched vermin). It is our wildlife issues, and has worked and as a result, bear populations did belief that the best way to achieve extensively with urban deer prob- not become established. With the help this goal is to find a balance lems in greater Chicago. He also has of hunters in 1980, the status of bears between the needs of the bear and experience with a wide range of was raised in Manitoba from unpro- the needs of stakeholders while wildlife management issues through tected “vermin” to valued and pro- protecting life and property in a consulting activities when he lived tected “game animals.” Instead of cost-effective manner. in New Jersey. finding homesteads at quarter-section The first part of the review is to intervals where families lived on the update “Black Bear Baiting: Hunting Manitoba: land, large-scale operations or week- Techniques and Management Issues” Age of Record Bear end retreats for urban dwellers now co-authored by Craig McLaughlin Hank Hristienko updated exist. If heavy machinery can’t get to and Howard Smith (1990). All Manitoba’s report on its record bear it, the land is allowed to revert to its jurisdictions cited in the paper have (November 2001 newsletter). natural state. And since the weekend been contacted and have been Manitoba’s record bear was aged landowner is no longer interested in requested to update their informa- by Gary Matson to be 15 years old. garnering sustenance from the land, tion. The results will give us manage- To think that this 856 lb. brute had additional land is available to return to ment strategies being currently never been spotted over his lifetime its natural state. The changes in practiced in 41 jurisdictions as well as is hard to fathom, especially when people’s attitudes, along with the an assessment of the level and trend his home range centered on one of change to the dynamics on the in problem bear management within Manitoba’s most developed cottage landscape, have contributed to the those hunting strategies. The results and recreation areas. establishment of a new world for bears will also be used to test my hypoth- to thrive in. As stewards of this valued esis (which is presented below) and resource, it is our obligation to will be of assistance to The Northeast

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 13 North America Updating Black Bear Management, cont’d.

Black Bear Technical Committee competition for food thus influenc- 25% to predation and 12.5% to headed by Craig McLaughlin which ing the timing of when animals disease; while Higgins (1997) attrib- will be addressing several bear-human disperse to look for alternate sources. uted 16.7% to starvation with Rogers conflict issues when it meets this This dispersion often results in (1987) citing 41% when food short- summer. Their hope is to identify nuisance behavior in developed ages were poor both in the years of research projects that would determine areas. Craig McLaughlin points out conception and birth. Figures are not the most effective approaches to this theory has yet to be proven and available for losses due to accidents, address and manage for conflicts. believes that it would make a good which may include flooding, broken Another aspect of our review is to study topic. bones, concussions, road kills, among study problem bear management Hypothesis others. Accounting for these losses, the under varied harvest strategies with The best time to target population estimated average number of black the hope of learning from the reduction is in the spring, with an bear cubs orphaned annually in jurisdictions’ experiences and added benefit of reducing the likeli- Manitoba equals 56 (Rebizant et al. in incorporating the best practices hood of nuisance impacts. The spring press). This figure represents less than being applied in: New Jersey, where hunt targets the male segment of the 2% of the estimated 2940-5290 cubs there is no hunting season for black population while protecting the that would have died in each of these bears; Quebec, where there has been female segment. Baiting facilitates this years from natural causes. a spring only hunt since 1998; and, target due largely to the intrinsic An Invitation for Feedback Ontario, where there was a spring behavior of emerging bears–young The review will provide our and fall hunt, and as of 1999, there is males tending to be more vulnerable managers with the background only a fall hunt. to baiting in the spring while females material to support new and existing My working hypothesis especially females with cub(s) are less black bear management policies. The To effectively manage bear-human vulnerable. Hunters are also able to review will include: conflicts, an overall bear manage- select for size and color while being • The Spring Hunt and Its Role in ment strategy should include: offered an increased opportunity to Black Bear Management. 1. a spring harvest; identify their target and make a • Baiting and Its Role in Black Bear 2. the use of bait; and humane kill due to the short range Management. 3. public participation through the and lack of obstructions in the • The Public’s Role in Problem practice of “good housekeeping” shooting lanes. For the Manitoba Bear Management. principles. situation, asking a hunter to not hunt • The Managing Authority’s Role The spring season may not target over bait would be like asking a in Problem Bear Management the very bears that cause conflicts; fisherman to fish with a bare hook. Including Reviews on Translocation but by reducing that portion of the Our data demonstrates that hunters and What to do with Orphaned offending population before they have been successful in avoiding Cubs. become a problem should reduce the harvesting female bears that are • The Hunter’s Image and Its Role extent of bear conflicts throughout accompanied by cubs. For the years in the Public’s Acceptance of Hunt- the summer. One to five-year-old 1996 to 1998, 12% (52 of 435 repro- ing as a Management Tool. bears comprise 70+% of a typical ductive tracts) of females harvested • Results of a Continent-wide Manitoba spring harvest and these during the spring season had placental Problem Bear Management Survey. age classes are known to be primary scars of the current year (indicating • The New Jersey Experience. nuisance offenders (as high as 70% that they had given birth in the • The Ontario Experience. of all complaints in many jurisdic- winter). It must be pointed out that • The Quebec Experience. tions). “Mother Nature” will ulti- the presence of a scar(s) does not • Management Recommendations, mately have the last say on the indicate that the associated cub(s) were and References. severity of the nuisance problem in alive when the female was harvested. You are invited to forward your any given area in any given year The scar count must be adjusted opinions and arguments either subject to biological and human downwards to account for total and supporting or rejecting any aspect of carrying capacities. In stressed food partial litter losses due to natural our review. and above-capacity situations, one causes. LeCount (1987) attributed should expect an increase in the losses as high as 50% to cannibalism,

14 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 North America Quebec: Wrong Bear Euthanized Grizzly Bears & Army Cutworm Moths Hillary Robison Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology/314 University of Nevada, Reno Reno, NV 89557, USA Phone (775) 784-4712 Fax (775) 784-1369 Email [email protected] Website: http:// www.consgenetics.unr.edu/students/ robison/index.htm

I am a Ph.D. student at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and recipient of grants from the IBA for the past three years (see page 5). My research focuses on the migratory ecology and population genetics of the army cutworm moth © Michael Keeney [Alexander Panetta, Canadian Press, Francois Houle, spokesman for the (ACM), Euxoa auxiliaris, and the Tuesday, January 22, 2002] coroner’s office. “But you can never importance of this information to Quebec—Officials killed the wrong be sure.” grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) [American] black bear while hunting Turmel recommended more conservation. ACMs are native to for the animal that mauled to death monitoring of black bears around the North America. With the intensifi- biathlete Mary Beth Miller 18 months military base and tighter guidelines cation of agriculture in the Great ago, said a coroner’s report. Miller, an for athletes in the adjacent training Plains, their larvae have become Olympic hopeful from Yellowknife, center. agricultural pests. ACM adults was attacked while on a training run at For example, athletes shouldn’t migrate from the Great Plains to Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near jog alone, Houle said. talus slopes between 9-12,000 feet Quebec City on July 2, 2000. Also, the report urges athletes to in the Rocky Mountains where The 23-year-old was jogging carry canisters of bear repellent— grizzlies consume them by the through the forest, listening to her similar to pepper spray—when in the thousands. ACMs are the richest Walkman when a bear pounced on area, he added. food source available to grizzlies in her, biting her neck and cracking her Although the bear that killed Miller the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, upper spine, coroner Yvan Turmel may still be alive, Houle said that’s not and previous research has shown said in his report. necessarily cause for concern. that a grizzly foraging on ACMs can Days after the incident, officials “The bear might still be alive, but consume half of its yearly energy claimed they were “90 percent sure” that doesn’t absolutely mean it’s needs in 30 days. Although much they had found and euthanized the aggressive,” he said. remains unknown about the bear that attacked Miller. “We’ll never know exactly what specific Great Plains origins of However, DNA tests later con- happened. Did Mary Beth pass ACMs or their migratory ecology, cluded the captured bear—a four- between the bear and her cubs? We these factors are important to year-old female weighing more than don’t know.” grizzly bear conservation. 75 kilograms—wasn’t the one that The tragedy was only the second Investigating the variability at ACM killed Miller, the report said. fatal bear attack in Quebec since microsatellite loci may allow determi- The bear DNA found on Miller’s 1983, the report said. nation of the specific Great Plains body did not match samples ex- “We must keep things in perspec- origins of ACMs. Determining ACM tracted from the dead animal. tive. It’s two deaths in 20 years. It’s origins is important because pressures, “At the time, it was sincerely sad, we must take action, but there’s either natural (i.e., weather) or human- believed it was the right bear,” said no panic,” Houle said. caused (i.e., pesticides or habitat

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 15 North America Grizzly Bears & Southeast USA Army Cutworm Moths, cont’d.

loss), in ACM natal areas or while David Goad Arkansas is now the only southern ACMs are enroute from their natal Assistant Chief state to allow baiting for black bears. areas to the Rocky Mountains may Wildlife Management Division AGFC implemented this regulation affect ACM recruitment and the Arkansas Game and FishCommission change to help reach the state’s bear numbers of adult ACMs reaching #2 Natural Resources Drive management goals and harvest high elevation sites where they are Little Rock, AR 72205, USA levels. Baiting is allowed only on fed on by grizzly bears. Phone (501) 223-6359 privately-owned lands. Still and To date, I have collected ACMs Fax (501) 223-6452 stand hunting for bears are allowed from a total of 11 high elevation sites Email [email protected] on public lands without the use of for genetic, pesticide, and reproduc- bait. Hunting bears with dogs is tive analyses, and from 39 low Send your news from the south- illegal in Arkansas. One hundred elevation sites in Wyoming, Idaho eastern states to the address above. thirty four hunters reported using and Montana, representing a 360- The following two items were bait to harvest a bear. Corn was the degree radius around the high submitted by: most common bear bait. elevation study areas. Rick Eastridge Two hundred ten bears were I am analyzing the genetic data in Bear Program Coordinator harvested in the Ozark Mountains, the Laboratory for Ecological and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 92 bears were harvested in the Evolutionary Genetics (LEEG) at UNR #2 Natural Resources Drive Ouachita mountains, and 70 bears by individually keying out each of Little Rock, AR 72205, USA were harvested in the Delta region. these several thousand ACMs and Phone (501) 219-4142 Officially, the heaviest male and then extracting their DNA. A ge- Fax (501) 219-4149 female bears weighed 475 pounds nomic DNA library was developed Email [email protected] and 280 pounds, respectively. Both for the ACM and I have screened this bears were harvested in the Delta library for microsatellite loci and Arkansas Record Harvest region. One hunter reported harvest- developed primers to amplify them. Three hundred seventy two ing a bear in the Ouachita Moun- Polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) American black bears (194 males, 176 tains that weighed 550 pounds. are currently being optimized for five females, and 2 of unrecorded sex) loci. Analysis of the variability at were harvested in Arkansas during Arkansas Bear Restoration these and additional loci will begin the 2001 season. This recent harvest Recent American black bear after optimizations of these loci are surpasses the state’s previous record restocking efforts by a team com- complete. of 207 bears. The Arkansas Game and prised of Arkansas Game and Fish My project has received grants Fish Commission (AGFC) imple- Commission (AGFC), University of from the Yellowstone Park Founda- mented several changes for the 2001 Tennessee (UT), U.S. Geological tion, the International Association bear season to contribute to this Survey’s Southern Appalachian Field for Bear Research and Management, increased harvest. These changes Lab, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife the Rob & Bessie Welder Wildlife included opening new areas to bear Service personnel have resulted in Foundation, the American Museum hunting, allowing baiting for the the translocation of 13 additional of Natural History, the Wyoming harvest of bears, and the implemen- adult female bears with 31 cubs (15 Chapter of the Wildlife Society, and tation of bear hunting clinics to males, 16 females) from eastern Sigma Xi. This project is coordinated promote interest in bear hunting. Arkansas to southern Arkansas, a through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Since 1980, bears have been distance of 160 km. Most bears were Study Team and the Yellowstone legally hunted in the northwestern captured on the White River Na- National Park Bear Management portion of Arkansas in the Ozark and tional Wildlife Refuge; however, two Office. Montana State University, Ouachita Mountains. For the first bears were taken from Big Island Bozeman Agricultural Extension time since 1927, AGFC allowed bears (owned by the Anderson-Tulley agents have provided ACMs from to be legally harvested on private lands Timber Company) and two bears low elevation sites throughout in the Delta region of Arkansas. Most were removed from Montgomery Montana. of the Delta region bears were har- Island (a private hunting club). vested on private lands near the White While the majority of the bears were River National Wildlife Refuge. released on Felsenthal National

16 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 North America

Wildlife Refuge, two bears with cubs North Carolina 2001 Ages are not available from 2001 were released on Deltic Timber Record Black Bear Harvest at this time, but updates using ages Company lands adjacent to the from 1980-2000 indicate a slightly refuge. We welcome Anderson-Tulley Mark D. Jones growing mountain population that Company, Deltic Timber Company, Black Bear Project Leader has approached an estimated 3,500- and the Montgomery Island Hunting North Carolina Wildlife Resources 4,000 bears. The coastal models, Club as partners in our black bear Commission using 1990-2000 ages, indicate the population restoration efforts. The 5275 NC Highway 118 coastal population is stabilizing at an addition of these partners will un- Grifton, NC 28530, USA estimated 6,500-7,000 bears. The doubtedly bolster our efforts reestab- Phone (252) 524-3443 coastal stabilization is consistent lish bears to southern Arkansas. Email [email protected] with NCWRC goals to slow popula- These recent translocations took tion growth in some coastal counties place in March and April 2002. Study North Carolina’s American black where agricultural complaints were cooperators selected 13 adult bears bear harvest reached an all-time high in the 1990s. It is important to with cubs from 50 radio-collared record level of 1,533 bears in the remember that these numbers are female bears that had been captured 2001 season. North Carolina has two only estimates based on age structure by UT and AGFC personnel. The disjunct bear populations occupying and reproductive output, but the adult females and cubs were captured the western mountains and the results from our models seem to in their winter dens, transported to eastern coastal plain region. The complement other observational southern Arkansas and placed in 2001 record was primarily due to a data collected by NCWRC through- human-made den boxes. Study significant increase of harvest in out both regions. As we continue to cooperators are currently monitoring coastal counties. Regionally, the collect teeth and reproductive tracts these bears to determine den emer- mountain harvest of 426 bears was over the coming years, we hope to gence, post-release movements, and actually lower than the average for develop additional information on survival. Ten of the 13 bears were the previous five years (n=504). black bear population status. extracted from tree dens. Litter sizes However, the coast counties ac- ranged from one to four. counted for 1,107 bears; exceeding This marks the third year of the previous record set in 2000 of translocations for the purpose of 929 bears. North Carolina Wildlife establishing a self-sustaining popula- Resources Commission (NCWRC) tion of American black bears into biologists collected 264 tooth unoccupied habitat is southern samples from mountain bear mortali- Arkansas. We translocated six adult ties and 514 from coastal bear female bears with 15 cubs and four mortalities. These samples include adult female bears with 10 cubs in roadkills as well as harvested bears. 2000 and 2001, respectively. We have These samples are used to develop an documented four mortalities, two age structure for the black bear bears dropped their radio collars, population. This age structure can radio collar failure has occurred with then be combined with information one bear, and we continue to from reproductive tracts we collect to monitor three adult female bears reconstruct black bear populations in from these prior releases. Our plan is models and monitor population to continue monitoring the translo- changes in each region. cated bears, refine our release technique, and continue transloca- tions until we establish a self- sustaining population of bears to the area.

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 17 North America Southwest USA and Mexico

Diana Doan-Crider (after the onset of hibernation), in (i.e. reuniting with the biological Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Inst. small groups, without an adult mother, adoption by foster mother, MSC 218 female, in an artificial den structure or release after a period of captivity). Texas A&M University-Kingsville (an igloo-shaped doghouse). Data Specific objectives of Operation Bear Kingsville, TX 78363-8202, USA collected from this study would Den include: (1) Determine survival Email [email protected] contribute to the information of orphaned cubs in artificial dens collected by other researchers that from winter 2001 until den re-entry Send any news from the southwest have released orphaned bears into in fall 2002; (2) Determine causes of USA or Mexico to the address above! the wild using alternate techniques mortality; (3) Determine proportion

New Mexico Conducts “Operation Bear Den”

Rich Beausoleil New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish 1 Wildlife Way Santa Fe, NM 87507, USA Phone (505) 476-8046 Email [email protected]

Throughout the summer of 2001, drought and lack of natural food items in northern New Mexico resulted in hundreds of human-bear conflicts (International Bear News, November 2001, Vol. 10, No. 4, page 18). In most cases, these conflicts were attributed to depredations or vehicle collisions, resulting in the death of numerous adult black bears. Consequently, by fall of 2001, 26 black bear cubs (< 12 months old), and seven yearlings were orphaned. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) personnel captured and transported the malnourished orphaned bears to The Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilita- tion facility in Espanola, New Mexico lead by veterinarian Kathleen Ramsay. All of the bears were reha- bilitated and the seven yearlings were “hard released” between 15 and 26 November 2001. The second, more intensive, phase of the project was dubbed “Opera- tion Bear Den.” This project was designed to evaluate the manage- ment technique of releasing rehabili-

© Don MacCarter tated orphaned cubs during winter With television cameras rolling, game and fish personnel take measurements and install an eartag transmitter before placing bear into an artificial den. 18 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 North America

of cubs involved in human/bear encounters and types of encounters; (4) Compare survival of orphaned, rehabilitated cubs with wild-born cubs in New Mexico; (5) Determine costs of this management technique. Operation Bear Den was publi- cized beforehand and was very well received by the public. After much planning, scouting sites, installing the dens, and networking among agencies and organizations to coordinate the event, NMDGF launched Operation Bear Den. We received assistance from U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Manage- ment, and 46 volunteers from conservation and hunting groups including New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides, New Mexico Chapter of Safari Club International, Sierra Club, Share With Wildlife

(NMDGF), Sandia Mountain Bear, © Marty Frentzel NMDGF officer Robert Griego prepares to place bear in artificial den. Wildlife Legislative Council, New Mexico Houndsman Association, and Consolidated Sportsman Association. We also invited several local and has not yet been observed (although used the artificial den structures national news organizations to its position has been determined by (between 2-4 weeks), even construct- attend the event. Between 7 and 15 aerial telemetry). ing individual ground nests within December 2001, 26 bear cubs were Of the 19 bears placed in southern the artificial structure using pine placed in 11 artificial den structures New Mexico, seven bears are still in boughs and leaf litter. Finally, even (in groups of two or three) in Carson the dens we provided, 11 bears have though the bears separated upon National Forest (northern New dispersed, and one bear has died dispersal from the artificial den Mexico), and Gila and Apache (handling related). Of the 11 bears structures, the bears within each National Forests (southern New that dispersed, seven are known to group remain close to each other Mexico). All bears were outfitted have re-denned on their own (between 0.2 and 2.8 km). with ear tag radio transmitters that (utilizing a variety of ground nest For the most part, our bears have were rapidly constructed by the good dens between 0.03 and 2.4 km from decided to take matters into their folks at Telonics. the artificial sites); three bears have own hands (like a bear should!). We All seven of the bears placed in not yet been observed (although intend to keep IBA readers informed northern New Mexico dispersed from their position has been determined of the results of this study. The bears their artificial den sites. Five of the by aerial telemetry); and one bear is will soon be emerging from their bears are known to have re-denned active. dens and a whole new aspect of the on their own (utilizing a variety of With the majority of bears that study will begin. ground nest dens between 0.12 and left artificial den structures, it was 3.2 km from the artificial sites); one obvious that the bears temporarily bear pulled its transmitter off and no longer can be tracked; and one bear

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 19 North America Southwest USA and Mexico, cont’d.

Texas Initiates Black Bear Mexican Cattle Association populated areas to reduce densities. Working Groups & Federal Wildlife Director A recent decision by President Fox to Discuss Black Bears recuperate the black bear to previous Nathan Garner historical ranges has spurred collabo- Regional Wildlife Director Diana Doan-Crider rative efforts with livestock produc- Wildlife Region 3 Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Inst. ers and other landowners. Private Texas Parks & Wildlife Department MSC 218 landowner initiatives are largely 11942 FM 848 Texas A&M University-Kingsville responsible for the recuperation of Tyler, TX 75707, USA Kingsville, TX 78363-8202, USA the black bear in Coahuila, which is Email [email protected] Email [email protected] a species that is currently listed as & “endangered” in Mexico. The The Texas Parks and Wildlife Elizabeth “Chabela” Spence-Sellers Coahuila populations are now Commission on November 10, 2001 Rancho La Escondida dispersing into neighboring areas approved development of a Texas Apdo. Postal #136 such as west Texas, where the bear Black Bear Conservation and Man- CP 26700 Sabinas was absent previous to circa 1980s. agement Plan. The planning process Coahuila, Mexico This positive collaborative effort is likely to take several months and Email between the federal government and will include input and involvement [email protected] livestock producers in Coahuila, if by constituents, stakeholders and the successful, will be used as a model for public. Two working groups will be a nationwide conservation strategy In February, 2001, the Union established to assist Texas Parks and in Mexico. Ganadera Regional de Coahuila met Wildlife in the preparation of the As some of you might recall, with the Mexican Federal Wildlife plan. An East Texas Black Bear several of the livestock producers Director, Fernando Clemente, in Meeting was recently held near attended the 13th IBA Conference in Piedras Negras, Coahuila. The Ratcliff, Texas on April 2, 2002 to Jackson, Wyoming, and have since objective of the meeting was to form an East Texas Bear Working become members of the IBA. The address the management needs of Group. A West Texas Bear Meeting landowners are directly involved livestock producers in an area where was held on April 26, 2002 in Alpine, with black bear management issues American black bear numbers are Texas to form a West Texas Bear in Mexico, actively participating in increasing to some of the highest Working Group. While some research the data collection and monitoring densities in North America. Conclu- has been conducted on American process. sive decisions were reached between black bears in Big Bend National Park the Mexican government and the and the Black Gap Wildlife Manage- Cattleman’s Association, including ment Area in west Texas, and on the restricted control of problem habitat suitability for bears in East animals, and relocation of non- Texas, little is known about the problem animals into more sparsely overall range and distribution in other areas of west and east Texas. Representatives from state and federal wildlife management agen- cies, academic and research institu- tions, and private landowners have been invited to participate in both working groups. We’ll keep the IBA posted on our progress.

20 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Zoo News Webcam Cubs in Sweden Bear TAG Assists Sun Bear Study

Jon Swenson They now have fur, and are becom- S. H. Euing Dept. of Biology & Nature Conservation ing more active all the time. The Zoological Society of San Diego Agricultural University of Norway camera project, which is the first of P.O. Box 7683 Postbox 5014 its kind anywhere, has proved a San Diego, CA 92167-0683, USA N-1432 Ås, Norway great success—205,000 people have Fax (619) 222-4118 Phone 47-64 94 85 30 visited the site in the past nine Email [email protected] Fax 47-64 94 85 02 weeks. The project is part of the Email jon.swenson.ibn.nlh.no park’s work on providing informa- At the May 2001 IBA conference, tion about the brown bear, Europe’s Chris Servheen discussed sun bear The Scandinavian Brown Bear largest predator. The website research by Siew Te Wong, a graduate Research Project supports the website includes minifilms summarizing student at University of Montana. from Orsa Grönklitt (see below). One the bears’ activity over selected Wong’s study, “The Ecology of the of our former students is responsible twenty-four hour periods from the Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos for supplying information on brown winter. The webcam picture is malayanus) in Lowland Tropical Forest bear ecology as a supplement to the updated every minute. of Sabah, Borneo Island” included web camera. She also provides “We’re very impressed by the trapping and radio-collaring sun bears, answers to viewers questions, and we number of visitors,” comments monitoring the collared bears to help her when she needs it. Viewers Sven Brunberg from the Scandina- collect basic ecological information can ask questions in Swedish, English vian Bear Project. It’s proof that (location, feeding habits, activity and German. The response has been there’s a worldwide interest in patterns, bedding sites, etc.), photo- tremendous, and people are really brown bears. The web camera graphing wild fruits and monitoring positive about this website, and their provides a unique opportunity for total forest fruit production. attitudes about bears. We think this everyone to follow the cubs’ first As graduate advisor and friend, is good for bears. Although Grönklitt months without disturbing them. Servheen discussed with members of is a bear park with captive bears, they There’s now an exciting period the Bear TAG (Taxon Advisory are very conscientious about conser- ahead—a lot of activity in the den Group) at the conference the need vation of wild bears and we in the followed by the cubs venturing out for funding to help Wong with bear project work cooperatively with into the wilderness-like area of the expenses while completing his thesis. them. bear park during late spring and Wong could not attend the meeting summer.” because his wife had just given birth Orsa Grönklitt Webcam The project is a joint undertaking to their first child. Knowing how [March 25, 2002 press release] by Orsa Grönklitt and the Scandi- essential this research was to the Mikael Ahlerup navian Bear Project, in which the well-being of the species and science, Managing Director Swedish Museum of Natural History Servheen asked if we could find Bearpark Orsa Grönklitt AB in Stockholm is also actively funding within the zoo community Box 23 involved. The web camera installa- for Wong. SE-79421 Orsa, Sweden tion is part the bear park’s work in By June 2001 an email fund drive Phone +46 250 552300 providing information about brown was initiated by the AZA (American Cell +46 70 585 36 46 bears and other predators such as Zoo and Aquarium) Bear TAG list serve Email [email protected] wolves, lynx, wolverines and the to hundreds of members, many with Website www.orsa-gronklitt.se endangered arctic fox. sun bears in their zoo collections. By fall 2001, well over $4000 was raised Europe’s biggest bear park, Orsa for Wong by individuals and organiza- Grönklitt in Sweden, has three tions in the zoo community. brown bear cubs, born in January This is just one good example of 2002, being observed via the how the zoo and science communi- Internet. Visitors can observe them ties can help each other for a com- live from their den at the website mon goal. We all wish the best to www.orsa-gronklitt.se, as they Wong and his family, knowing that snuggle up to their mother, Saga. bears will be reaping the benefits of his vital research. International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 21 Student Forum New Student List Serve, Correspondence and Who’s Truman?

Diana Doan-Crider B. Please identify your question in To Join the List Serve: Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Inst. the “subject” heading, e.g., “population a. Contact me at MSC 218 dynamics question,” or “bear behavior [email protected] with your name, Texas A&M University-Kingsville question” so that advisory group email address, physical address, Kingsville, TX 78363-8202, USA members can help you efficiently. affiliation, and interest in bears. I Phone (361) 593-3042 C. If you are seeking advice for will then give you the password. Email [email protected] major topics in study design or data Copy your request to analysis, we highly recommend that [email protected], who can Student List Serve & you obtain prior permission from also issue you the password if I am Plenty of Help! your own advisor. Your major advisor unavailable. Contact me by phone Thanks goes to all of the students is the ultimate authority for your (above) if you have any problems interested in the Student Forum. This project, and the IBA does not want getting through by email. endeavor is well worth the effort, and we to disrupt this relationship. b. The site is will not be short on help! While we are D. Be sensitive to the fact that http://aristotle.tamuk.edu under here to serve students, we welcome input advisory group members have full Agricultural Lists. Click on from the general IBA membership on schedules and are doing us a great “truman” to sign in. ideas or information to benefit students. favor by volunteering their time with c. Responses can be submitted We have established the IBA our list serve. Please keep discussions through the reply button or through Student List Serve, which is gener- focused and brief. “truman” at the website listed above. ously hosted through Texas A&M E. Please keep all discussions Everyone on the list serve receives University-Kingsville. The list serve professional, clean, and civil. Please reply messages. will be monitored by David Hewitt refrain from sending jokes or “articles d. The process is fairly self- (Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research of interest.” They will be deleted. explanatory. If you have problems, Institute), myself, and a group of IBA F. For conflict issues, questions contact me by email and I’ll walk advisors who will field questions and should be general. This is not a you through. contribute to discussions. One of our venting booth or a courtroom, but e. Please report any problems with objectives is to provide students with intended only to help you resolve the list serve, and we will forward an opportunity to ask questions about the problem so you can get through them to our technician. study design, data analysis, funding your project successfully. Do not use f. On your mark, get set, GO! advice, or approaches to conflict names of individuals or institutions resolution. This environment will in your correspondence, or implicate IBA Student Correspondence allow students to feel comfortable in individuals by mentioning the • Ryan wrote from the Pacific asking even stupid questions, even names of study areas. We will not be Northwest, and tells us about his though stupid questions do not exist a vehicle for gossip or rumors. We current graduate situation. While his here at the Student Forum. Questions reserve the right to delete anyone from major advisor does not specialize in that cannot be answered by the the list serve who has disregarded this bears (he is a herpetologist), Ryan advisory group will be fielded to common courtesy. has received support from his appropriate IBA members. G. This service is for students, and graduate program to pursue a bear Guidelines for the List Serve: we encourage discussion. Please use research project. He finds the IBA A. Anyone can participate—from discretion and some humility in newsletter informative and helpful as graduate students looking for projects giving advice. Leave the advice for he develops his proposal. Wait until to inexperienced biologists initiating the advisory group unless you feel he joins our list serve! bear research. We’re allowed 200 that you truly have some knowledge • Ximena wrote from Latin America members, and won’t be strict about that might contribute to answering a and is anxious to begin helping out who participates until things get question. We want students to receive with the Student Forum. Her generos- crowded. List serve members do not the best information possible from ity and willingness to serve will not go have to be IBA members, but they will experienced and knowledgeable unnoticed by the IBA! be encouraged to join. Questions professionals, with minimal confusion. • Andreas writes from Norway, and should pertain to bear research and is also anxious to help out. Sounds management only. like our Student Forum will be well

22 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Student Forum Data Collection: Nothing but the Facts, Ma’am

represented. Andreas provided us in the mountains of Mexico. I questions in your proposal (“Your with some excellent suggestions, and changed clothes, got washed up, Proposal is Your Friend,” International we’ll be discussing those issues with and went to sit at the dining room Bear News Vol. 11, No. 1). Think the IBA leadership at the Norway table with my advisor. “Hey, where’s about those questions, and what meeting in July. today’s cub sex data?” he said, as he kind of data you will need to answer • Sophie wrote from the United quizzically waded through the den them. I can think of about 34 data Kingdom, and posed an interesting data sheets. “Oh, hold on a subjects that would have been great question about paw-sucking behavior minute,” I said as I rushed back to for my dissertation, but I didn’t in captive Asiatic black bears she has the bucket of dirty laundry in the think of them until after I was been working with for four years in back of my bedroom. I pulled out finished with the field work. After Thailand. We fielded that question to my dirty and torn camouflage three years of data collection, I just several experts. We’re following up to khakis, plucked the soiled socks found out that specific rainfall data make sure her question was answered. from the leg holes, and proudly for individual acorn plots would • Truman wrote and discussed brought him my pants. He abruptly have really contributed to a strong some of his experiences and sugges- pushed away from the table as I hypothesis in my evaluation of food tions pertaining to his graduate spread my infamous khakis out on production across a landscape. Oops. project, which was shared by several the table like a fresh linen cloth, If you are unfamiliar with some of students and advisors. His input is with pieces of grass, twigs, and dirt your methods, practice field simula- being incorporated into this month’s landing alongside. “Here you tions, such as conducting transects column on data collection. Thanks go...female #63 is down here on the or telemetry. Science Guy shared an Truman! left leg, and #72 is over here on my embarrassing experience when he • While they’re not exactly right hip.” He stared in shock at the was monitoring 24 hour activity on students, a federal wildlife agency Sharpie marker scribbles that bears. He monitored from 10 am to 9 called and said that our suggestions decorated my pants. “The faded am the next day. Later, analyzing his for developing proposals was quite ones are from last year, so don’t pay data, he realized he was monitoring helpful. They are now using this attention to those. One good thing only 23 hours of activity and missing information for their own employees. about those Sharpie markers...they the 9-10 am time slot. Oops. It never wash out,” I glibly stated. sounds easy enough to spot from Question of the Quarter: Obviously, I am not the expert on here, but wait until you get out there! Who data collection. I just happened to He recommends analyzing data after is find that writing the data on my short intervals to catch any glitches. pants was easier than taking a Science Guy also suggests writing a clipboard into the den. Through progress report in scientific paper years of experience and mistakes, format, without the results and however, I have come up with some discussion. The report should explain pretty helpful hints for your why the study is being conducted projects. If that doesn’t make you and what methods are being used. feel any better, I also sought out the Then give it to peers and advisors so Truman? wisdom of a well known, tediously they can review it. Wow, now that’s Truman is the mascot for the organized IBA mentor: we’ll call forethought (that is also why he is Student Forum. He is a caricature of a him Science Guy. No matter what Science Guy and I am not...). juvenile black bear. He is also the approach you use in the collection Dissecting your questions will be namesake for our new student list of data, some elements are essential, the “meat” of preparing for your data serve, and will be the identity for ensuring effectiveness and reliabil- collection, and it will save you a lot Student Forum correspondents who ity in the process. Here are some of of time and headaches. I suggest prefer anonymity. He may also those elements: running a few analysis simulations consider other IBA roles at later with artificial data sets to see if you dates, if he is asked. 1. Think ahead. Science Guy says that your data A couple of years ago, we were collection is a reflection of the finishing up a long day of den work International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 23 Student Forum Data Collection, cont’d.

are missing any variables that you • Be professionally assertive (i.e., no • Format of data sheets need to test your hypothesis. Then biting or scratching) if you feel your Imagine that you will be sitting for you can design your data collection data set is being unnecessarily hours in front of a computer, using methods accordingly. pilfered, or if your part of the project some program like Excel or SAS, is being neglected. Don’t be afraid to tediously keying in little numbers or 2. Shared Data Sets communicate. codes. You will have to input your We briefly discussed shared data • Go through the chain of com- variables using a certain format, but sets in previous columns (“Clear mand. People will be less likely to if they were not recorded in that Contracts Make for Long Friend- believe that you are just causing same format, you will have to take ships,” International Bear News Vol. trouble. Complaining about some- the time to translate the information 10, No. 4 and “Your Proposal is Your thing without going to the person on your data sheet to fit the pro- Friend,” International Bear News Vol. who has the authority to do some- gram. Now imagine that you de- 11, No. 1). This situation seems thing about it makes you a petty signed your data sheets to match the common enough to warrant discus- gossip. input format, and it only takes you sion. You will save yourself great • Keep your own advisor well minutes to enter your variables tribulation if you delineate duties, informed of your project’s progress. because everything is sequentially data sets and publication plans ahead • If you can’t agree on name order listed and easy to read, for example: of time. I have received several for authorship when publishing with instead of June 4, 2001, write the complaints from students who felt multiple authors on a joint project, date variable as 06/04/01, or record they were bulldozed on shared use alphabetical order. It does not the fat level variable as 1, 2, 3 or 4 projects when parts of their data sets warrant losing your peace of mind, versus skinny, looks good, kind of were appropriated by other graduate and being an et al. is not the worst fat, or really fat. Use M or F instead students. Here are some keys to thing that could happen to you. of “male” or “female,” and have clear success, and some advice: codes for male or female cubs as well. • Have a general meeting with 3. Data Forms and Record codes on your data sheets in advisors and students to delineate Data Collection Format the same way they are entered in the data sets and responsibilities among Everyone has their own approach computer. participants, and get it all down in to data collection, but the overall • Sequence of data lines writing. I would go so far as getting objective is the same: to be efficient, Record your variables in the order members to sign agreements, not for effective, and reliable in the process. that they will be loaded into the legal purposes, but to remind people Check around, and I guarantee you’ll computer. That way, you can simply what they agreed to. Make sure that all find a gold mine of information. glide from the top to bottom of your parties are notified of any changes. Here are some ideas: data sheet, entering your data as you • Develop a good relationship • Data analysis programs go down versus trying to skip around with other advisors on the project so Decide beforehand which data the page to find each value. This may you can keep an open channel of analysis programs to use. The format not be a big deal for small data sets, communication with them. of your data sheets should be but once you get beyond 50 sheets, it • Have semi-annual or annual dependent upon these choices. Your becomes very tedious. Practice meetings to review the progress of advisor may already be using pro- keying in a few sheets to see how the project. grams that he will want you to use. If easy it is to read. For our data sheets, • Do your best to get along and you’re shopping, check around to see we divided the page into segments avoid conflicts. Recognize that you which programs best suit your needs, such as “notes” which were not are sharing a project, and that i.e. some statistical packages are user- loaded into the computer, the others’ opinions and efforts are friendly, but may not be as powerful morphological and demographic equally important. Try to overlook as others. Talk to your experts, make variables which were loaded, and the offenses; most are mole hills made your decision, and become familiar drug information which was loaded into mountains. Help others with with your programs before you head into a separate log for our U.S. Drug their data collection, and be grateful out into the field. Enforcement Agency report (see when they help you with yours. below). Don’t whine or complain.

24 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Student Forum

• Efficiency vs. Detail 4. Watching the Clock in the Field wash out important information on Design your data collection Some field data collection is time your data sheets. If you can’t water- methods to be efficient in both time limited. Bear captures can sometimes proof your data sheets, then carry a and space, but don’t shortchange become adventurous when time is protective aluminum clip box that yourself on details. I first started with not respected. Numerous biologists will at least keep things from getting really simple data sheets, but found I have had experiences with bears soaked. Carrying clip boxes is not didn’t leave space for notes on drug getting up and simply leaving during always convenient (i.e., during responses, injuries, or even minor data collection, or requiring addi- telemetry work), so use waterproof measurements such as toes and tional doses of anaesthetic to mini-transit notebooks that easily fit canines. For captures, putting an complete data collection. Effective into a fanny pack or back pocket. animal through that much stress and planning can often prevent these Then again, there’s always your not taking full advantage of the incidents. Assign designated tasks to khaki pants (not recommended by information they provide is almost teammates so that once the animal is most biologists). Upon returning to sacrilegious. On the other hand, I down, workers can rapidly tackle camp, you can transfer the data onto went overboard on detail and their responsibilities and begin regular paper forms. For capture, produced data notebooks that were collecting invaluable data. Review however, it’s handy to keep the incredibly time-consuming. Then I the data collection sequence so your aluminum clip-box with your drug tried the pretty look with pictures and team can effectively and quietly get kit, and simply remove the pages diagrams of everything, but they their work done, even under the when you’re ready to store them. became confusing when transferring excitement of the capture. Purchase Science Guy says that in predomi- the data into the computer program. extra equipment if necessary (like nantly wet environments, you can Let me save you some time: use some measuring tapes) to reduce delays write data on a piece of sanded common sense and some balance. If from workers waiting for equipment. plexiglass with a wax marker or a you’re one of those people who just I highly recommend that your pencil; after transferring data to your can’t seem to not write things down protocol be well established should forms, it can be washed with (like Science Guy), you can keep track you have visitors (photographers, cleanser. Is he extreme, or what? I of additional field notes in transit writers, parents) along, and be firm suggested the khaki pants example, notebooks which are kept separate in letting them know that pictures but he didn’t want to ruin his good from the data. They’re great for must wait until the work is finished. rain gear. Put everything that rusts, reference if you need to recall There is nothing worse than half- gets soggy, or is moisture sensitive in unsuccessful attempts at locating a empty data sheets on bears that are freezer strength plastic bags. I also particular bear, behavioral observa- not likely to be recaptured, just suggest laminating or covering your tions, or unusual disturbances at trap because you ran out of time. As for maps with clear contact paper. We sites, etc., but annoying to your other data collection endeavors, be worked in an arid environment and teammates when they are waiting for sure that they are well planned if our maps still looked like toilet tissue you to join the card game after time is a consideration. I once after about a week. dinner. I also recommend carrying a planned on arriving at my camp in If you use techno-gadgets for list of updated field notes with your early June, but forgot about the collecting data (GPS units, Pit Tag capture clipboard, such as bear collection of an important bear food readers, data recorders), carry extra numbers, collar colors, reactions to which was gone by the end of May. batteries in a plastic bag and keep it drugs, or other pertinent informa- with your equipment. Don’t lose tion. That way, if you recapture or 5. Equipment data because you ran out of power. sight a bear, you’ll immediately Waterproof everything. Rite in the know who it is without having to Rain paper is available in a wide 6. Back Up Your Data refer to your data back at camp. array of products, from photocopy I have heard too many nightmares You’ll also know which bears reacted paper to field binders, and can be about people not backing up their negatively to drugs, and possibly purchased through most forestry data. Remember, just because it has prevent a disaster on one of your supply companies. Invest in water- never happened to you doesn’t mean recaptures. proof pens and Sharpie markers. that it won’t. Science Guy swears he is Beware of ballpoint pens that might telling the truth about a researcher

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 25 Student Forum Data Collection, cont’d.

who brought all of his data and methodology as you. I keep one for rolling your eyes, I received a call notes with him in the field without my equipment box and capture kit. from a biologist asking about cub backing them up, and they were The first bear I captured in Mexico is data from my first study. Within a destroyed by a bear that got into his probably still walking around with couple of minutes, on the same camp. The irony is bone chilling. one ear tag that says “Property of phone call, I provided the informa- Make the effort to get to a photo- Navajo Tribe/Arizona” because I tion without having to rummage copy machine often, and download forgot my brand new sequentially through papers, files, or computer onto floppy disks if you have a numbered tags back at camp. A diskettes. Now Science Guy has a laptop. Back up your data, do it fellow biologist happened to have an different way of organizing his data. often, and make sure your advisor old ear tag in his backpack. I also He keeps it all in one binder, but gets a full set. If you cannot copy keep inventory checklists which I put color codes the variables according data regularly, then store data in together at the end of each field to subject in the margins. These are bear-proof food containers, and also season. The list helps me re-stock my just a few of the one million ways to paste “reward” notices along with supplies before I return to the field. organize your data. your address onto the file box in I keep binders for each photocop- case it gets lost. Data recorders that ied data set with a back-up floppy or 8. Consistency is Critical cannot be downloaded in the field compact disk in each one. To keep I am amazed at the differences in give me the heebie-jeebies, but the dust off and to keep from losing data collection techniques among that’s my own little neurosis. the different binders while I was in biologists. That is a simple fact of Sometimes you just don’t have any the field, I kept them in a sealed life. Within your team, however, you choice. Do what you can to ensure plastic file box, which was stored at record data and take measurements safety, like keeping these gadgets the camp house. For the field work, I with consistency. Take the time to away from your advisor’s 5-year-old, recorded my data on sheets in the review techniques with your team- etc. When I conduct data analyses, I aluminum clip box, in field note- mates to prevent future headaches. email my data to my advisor as I books, or on my pants. At night, I We once had a problem with record- finish different sets; he stores it on simply slipped the sheets out of the ing dates on our forms. My Mexican his hard drive and on another box, or transferred the data onto the assistant was used to writing DD/ floppy. I also keep paper copies of sheets. I then filed them into their MM/YY, while we were writing MM/ original data forms in case the appropriate binders, using plastic DD/YY. That error could have originals get lost or ruined. sheet protectors to keep them from become significant when evaluating getting torn or smudged. Back at my bear movements by season, as we 7. Organization is Next to Godliness. base in Kingsville, I color coded my were using date-specific telemetry Organization is also a personality notebooks based on the three records to determine these move- thing. I am an organization freak at different studies that I conducted: ments. We had to quickly correct our some things, but not enough to be blue binders for Study #1 (1991- format and review our data to make irrational. Here are some time- 1994), yellow for Study #2 (1995- sure there were no errors. Many of saving ideas: 1996), and red for Study #3 (1998 to the measurements taken from bears Include checklists on your data present). Each notebook is labeled can be subjective, such as estimation sheets. Mine include a list of according to: capture data; trapping for body condition, or how tight you everything I need to do with each data (including trap success for each pull the measuring tape when bear before I release it, such as apply trap, trap line grids and maps, etc.); measuring chest girth. Even differ- eye ointment, cover eyes, keep body vegetation analysis; home range ences in measurements when bears sloping down, remove magnet from analysis; telemetry locations (ordered are inhaling or exhaling can be collar, etc. Forgetting to take the by individual bear); population data significant, so consider all of the magnet off a radio-collar is always a (tabs for density estimates, cub possibilities. Make sure everyone is fun one to explain to your advisor survival, adult survival, etc.). using the same techniques. when a bear just walked off with his Okay, that sounds neurotic, but un-activated $700 radio collar. talk to me after you’ve finished with Checklists are handy for assistants your field work and we’ll see who who aren’t as familiar with the has more gray hair. If you’re still

26 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Student Forum

9. Keep Tedious Drug Records enforcement agency, or become Bear research and management involved is some sort of investigation often requires the use of controlled (which has happened!). substances which are monitored in • Have a special section on your the United States by the U.S. Drug capture sheets for drug use, including Enforcement Agency. The conse- vial number, amount used on each quences of misuse, as we have seen bear, and status of the remaining in the past, are serious. We already drug in each bottle. discussed the importance of obtain- • Keep drugs in a safe and locked ing the appropriate permits for drug compartment, and supervise all use. use in the capture and handling of • Report any suspicious activity to bears (“Your Proposal is Your Friend,” your advisor. International Bear News Vol. 11, No. 1), but keeping track of these drugs is 10. Before All Else Fails, Ask... just as important. It is also a legal Remember, there is no room for requirement, and might keep you pride as a student. Believe me, it is out of jail or court someday. Here are better to humble yourself now than some helpful hints: to be exposed to humiliation in the • Keep copies of drug permits, manuscript review process or at a both state and federal, in your drug conference in front of all your peers. kit and in your vehicle. Make sure If you have any doubts, or just want they are updated. Most permits to find out more effective ways of renew annually, and agencies do not doing things, ask your mentors at send reminders or renewal notices. If the IBA. They have all learned the your name is not on the permit, be hard way, and their help can mean sure you have a letter written by your the difference between distress or advisor that states that you are sanity on your projects. covered by the permit, and a number This all brings me back to the where he can be reached. Student Forum and our new list • Keep a detailed spreadsheet of all serve. The IBA recognizes their role drugs used on your project, when in making sure that you are equipped they were purchased, serial number, to succeed. The list serve is there so reason for use, bear number, and you can ask questions, and get help if status of any remaining drug. • Number individual bottles with a Sharpie marker so that you can keep individual histories on these bottles in your spreadsheet. • Keep all bottles, even if they are empty. This might be critical for future reference if you are ever you need it. audited by a state or federal drug Let us hear from you!

© Joan Skidmore

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 27 Bears in Culture Bear-hunting Dogs

Anne Ruggles including humans) in gladiatorial games tions. The Tahltan Indians of north- Bear Canyon Consulting Group and in England dogs with a mastiff western British Columbia developed 850 37th St. background were used in bear-baiting. a dog about the size of a fox. They Boulder, CO 80303, USA The Karelian bear dog, laika bear dogs, were used to locate game, and then Phone (303) 938-0490 elkhounds, Plott hound, Akita, Shikoku harass the target animal with their Email [email protected] and Tahltan bear dog were all selected high-pitched, staccato barking and specifically to hunt or guard against unpredictable darting and nipping, Similar social structures, hunting bears. Mastiffs, Samoyeds and a whole until the hunters arrived. They were goals and styles mean that dogs and host of hounds, though selected for well-known for their bravery and humans have probably coexisted from other jobs, were also used to hunt, fight agility when working either Ameri- very early times. Humans have bred or deter bears. can black or brown bears and were dogs to do a huge variety of jobs and North America also used to hunt lynx and porcu- have developed dogs specialized for The Plott hound’s ancestry can be pine. Two dogs were used when hunting a variety of animals in a traced to boar hunting dogs in hunting bears. Spring hunts were variety of ways. Dogs are used to drive Germany. Around 1750 Jonathon made easier by these dogs, because prey into ambushes, nets, over cliffs or Plott came to North America, settling they could run easily on crusted into pitfalls or corrals. They are used to in the mountains of North Carolina, snow. Because of their small size they run down and attack the prey. In arid and brought several wild-boar were probably carried in packs while or open regions where scent is of little hunting hounds which were used for hunting and released when game was use because of hot, dry air or coursing hunting American black bears. Plott near, or at night to guard the camp. is more efficient, hunting is by sight. supposedly kept his strain entirely The Tahltan bear dog had a mid- Where vegetation is so dense that sight pure, making no outcrosses. After length double coat that was mostly affords little benefit, hunting is by 1780 a Georgia hunter with his own black, with variable size white scent. Prey ranges from rabbits and line of “leopard spotted bear dogs,” patches. It stood 12 to 15 inches, had hares to gazelle, horse, deer, lions and borrowed one of Plott’s top stud dogs relatively large, erect, pointed ears, a bears. Xenophone (c. 430-355 B.C.) in for a year to breed to his own long pointed muzzle and a fairly The Perfect Dog, and Hunting with Dogs, bitches, returning the dog and a short bushy tail (resembling an described two types of ideal hunting male puppy from one of the breed- upended shaving brush). John Muir’s dogs. For hunting “fawns and stags” ings the following year. This single Stickeen may have been a Tahltan he recommended dogs from India as cross is the only known outcross. bear dog. In 1988, the Canadian Post they were large, strong, fast, spirited Today the Plott hound is known for Office honored the Tahltan bear dog and had great endurance; while for its great courage and stamina. It is a as one of four breeds native to hunting wild boar he recommended sturdy, well-developed dog, with Canada. dogs from India, Crete or Sparta as plenty of heart and lung room for Japan they were strong, fearless and willing the endurance to hunt, but not so The Japanese developed large, to fight. With the development of overdeveloped to detract from its medium and small of dogs that are agriculture, dogs were also needed to agility and nimbleness. It looks like a probably derived from spitz-type protect livestock from wolves, bears typical hound with a large head, flop dogs and were brought to Japan by and other competitors. ears, long muzzle, muscular shoul- 400 A.D. These ancient Japanese Wherever bears existed, dogs have ders, strong hindquarters, and is dogs are called Nippon inu (dogs) been used to help hunt or deter them. altogether well-proportioned. They and have pointed upright ears, a Two distinct types of dog work bear: the weigh 50-60 pounds, have a short tightly curled tail held over the rump large, hound and mastiff-type dogs for coat and tend to be dark brindle with and a thick double coat. They are all hunting and treeing bears in parts of a black saddle and white points. strong-willed, fearless dogs with a North America or fighting bears in These dogs trail long distances over strong hunting instinct and great Europe; and, the smaller, more agile rough terrain and fight as well. stamina. northern dogs used to chase, ward-off In 1974, the Canadian Kennel The Akita is the largest, standing 20- and hunt bears in the north. The Club rescinded recognition of the 27 inches at the shoulders and Romans used mastiff-type dogs to fight Tahltan bear dog as a distinct breed, weighing 95-125 pounds with a bears (among a variety of adversaries after 26 years with no new registra- usually solid coat ranging from cream

28 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Bears in Culture

to black. The Akita matagi (bear- were used for hunting, guarding and wolf and bear. They bark at and hunting dog) originated in the Tohoku herding. They hunt by following and harry prey until the hunter arrives. area, as a hunting dog of medium size when the prey—moose, lynx, wolf The first animal sent into space, around 1630-1870 under the Satake and bear—is cornered the dog barks, orbiting in Sputnik II November 3, clan in the Akita region. The Hokkaido agilely dodging attack until the 1957, was a mongrel but with dog (Ainu dog) is said to have origi- hunter arrives. They are fearless distinct laika traits, named Laika. To nated from medium-sized Japanese hunters and harassers. this group might be added the dogs that accompanied migrants from The Karelian bear dog is a medium- Samoyed. It arrived in the north with Honshu (the main island of Japan) to sized, sturdily-built, spitz-type dog, the Samoyed people. They lived Hokkaido during the Kamakura era in with a triangle-shaped head, prick ears, along the shores of the Arctic Ocean the 1140s. The breed was designated a and a coarse, straight, black or black from the Yenisei River west to the “natural monument” in 1937. It is also and white coat of medium length. It is Petchora River and are a remnant of known as the Ainu-ken. The Ainu, the just slightly longer than it is tall. The one of the earliest tribes of Central former inhabitants of Hokkaido, bred tail is carried in a loose curl over the Asia. There is evidence that they these dogs from spitz-type dogs they back. It is also known as the migrated to the Arctic with their brought with them to Japan about Karjalankarhukoira or the bjørnhund dogs by 1000 B.C. They developed an 3,000 years ago for hunting bears and and originated in the Karelia province unfailing sense of trust and loyalty in other animals. The Ainu dog stands of Finland in the 1600s. It was later their dogs that remains a part of 18-22 inches and weighs 45-65 introduced to Russia. The Karelian bear their character today. They lived by pounds. The Kai dog (Kai tora-ken, dog hunts moose, wolves, lynx and hunting and fishing and depended tora inu—tiger dog) originated from a bears. It usually hunts alone and is a upon their dogs to herd reindeer, medium-sized breed in the mountain- silent trailer. When prey is located, the fight off wolves and bears, guard ous Kai district (Yamanashi Prefecture). Karelian bear dog barks and worries their belongings and share their It has a brindled coat, weighs 35-40 the creature to a standstill. Today their beds. The Samoyed is a mid-sized pounds and stands 18-23 inches. These endurance, agility and fearlessness in dog, 21-23 inches tall, weighing dogs are used mainly for hunting wild confronting bears are being used by about 50 pounds. They have a bear and deer. Their strong inclination several state and federal agencies in luxurious double coat that is white to form a pack is thought to contribute North America to discourage bears or cream-colored, a tightly curled tail toward maintaining the purity of the from places that put bears and humans and small, erect ears. They are breed. The breed was designated a in conflict (see May 2000 newsletter). strong, and unlike most of the other “natural monument” in 1934. Until the 1800s all spitz-type dogs spitz-type dogs, friendly and not Nordic Dogs in Russia were called laikas (barkers). particularly aggressive. Rather than The Nordic dogs include the They were developed in the 1700s by hunting bears, their role was to give Norwegian elkhound, Finnish spitz, Russian breeders who crossed the warning and ward off bears and Karelian bear dog, laikas, Swedish Karelian bear laika with the Utachak other competitors. grahund and Samoyed. These are sheepdog, a fearless animal devel- In the Far East, perhaps due to the mid-sized dogs having thick double oped to guard sheep from wolves and long history of early commerce and coats, erect ears and tightly curled bears. In 1947 the Soviet government relatively great variety of large game tails held above the back. All are declared that laikas existed only animals to be pursued, there appear agile dogs with great endurance and within the boundaries of the Soviet to be no dogs selected for hunting a tenacious, aggressive temperament. Union thus ignoring the Karelian bears. Generally there were two types The Norwegian elkhound has bear dog of Finland which most of dog—the fierce coursing hunting existed at least 5,000 years. Found authorities identify as a laika. Today hounds and the small, sleeve or lap with stone age fossils and mentioned the East Siberian laika, West Siberian dogs. The hunting dogs were prob- in Norse sagas, it is one of at least laika and Russo-European laika are ably further divided into those used four elkhounds of Scandinavian recognized. They are medium-sized for large game (tigers, lions, bears, origin (Swedish elkhound, black dogs, weighing 40-50 pounds and and the ungulates) and those used Norwegian elkhound, Swedish stand 21-24 inches with the typical for small game and birds. The larger grahund and Swedish laphound) spitz body. All are powerful, aggres- dogs had elements of the greyhound recognized by breed associations. All sive and fearless hunters of moose, and the mastiff. They may have been

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 29 Communications Bear-hunting Dogs, New Bear Safety Videos cont’d.

descendants of the Caspian Grant MacHutchon John Hechtel region’s Hyrcanian dog described by 237 Curtis Road Palmer, AK, USA the ancient Greeks, renowned for its Comox, BC V9M 3W1, Canada Phone (907) 746-6331 size and ferocity. Bear-hunting dogs Phone/Fax (250) 339-5260 Email [email protected] from the Locrian (home of Ajax) Email [email protected] region of Greece were compared with Stephen Herrero the Hyrcanian dogs and were likely The Safety in Bear Country Society Calgary, AB, Canada of mastiff origin. Mastiff seems to received funding this winter to Phone (403) 243-3614 have been a term generally attached develop a draft script and fundraising Email [email protected] to very large dogs with a ferocious proposal for a new video titled Living nature. The general type can be in Bear Country. This 20-to-30 minute Andy McMullen traced to Assyria by 2200 B.C. and to video will provide practical advice on Yellowknife, NWT, Canada Tibet. Dogs were selected for their measures people can take to prevent Email [email protected] large size and ferocious temperament problems with bears in the places and were used in war, to hunt large they live. This video will be a stand- Phil Timpany predators (including bears) and in alone educational tool. People will be Atlin, BC, Canada games against other dogs, humans, referred to Staying Safe in Bear Phone (250) 651-7548 lions, bulls and bears. Country (order on page 43 or at Email [email protected] No matter the traits selected by www.bearbiology.com) to learn how humans, all dogs derive from to respond to a face-to-face encoun- This past winter we also received hunting animals and that instinct ter with a bear. The target audience funds from Parks Canada and continues—watch any puppy stalk a for Living in Bear Country is residents, Northwest Territories Worker’s butterfly or pounce on a tumbling managers, and workers of munici- Compensation to do French (Quebe- leaf. The first compacts between palities, towns, and cities, and cois) translations of the videos humans and dogs likely grew from frontcountry and backcountry Staying Safe in Bear Country and their mutual benefit as hunting recreational facilities. Secondary Working in Bear Country. These partners. No human hunter can audiences include conservation or translations are now complete and cover the amount of ground the dog wildlife officers, police, by-law the videos are available for purchase can, no human hunter has the dog’s officers, park rangers and wardens, from Magic Lantern Communica- nose, and no human hunter is as and personnel of government, tions Ltd. (http:// adept at cornering prey. native, and non-government organi- www.magiclantern.ca). zations responsible for management In the August 2001 International References of bear–human conflicts. The main Bear News, we announced that our Davis, H.P. 1974. The New Dog focus of the video will be individual next major project would be a video Encyclopedia; completely revised and responsibility, but will build from module on hunting safely in bear expanded updating of the; Modern there to community responsibility. country. That project is now on hold, Dog Encyclopedia. We would like to hear from anyone primarily because we did not receive Fiennes, R. and A. Fiennes. 1970. that, (1) has information on poten- much support. In other words, the The Natural History of Dogs. American tial funding for the video, (2) is money did not start rolling in! Being Museum of Natural History. interested in reviewing the video a non-profit group, we have to be Fogle, B., D.V.M. 1995. The New script, or (3) has relevant informa- somewhat practical. Encyclopedia of the Dog. Dorling tion they would like to share. Please Kindersley Books. contact the address above or: Olsen, S.J. 1985. Origins of the Domestic Dog; the Fossil Record. Univ. of Az. Press. Teit, James A.1956. Field Notes on the Tahltan and Kaska Indians, 1912- 15; In Anthropologica No.3.

30 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Communications 15th Eastern Black Bear Workshop Proceedings Polar Bear Managing Abundant Black Bears: Specialist Group Needs, Strategies, Difficulties Home Page

John E. McDonald, Jr. Submitted Papers Andrew E. Derocher Wildlife Ecologist Management applications of Norwegian Polar Institute Cooperative Wildlife Research Lab remote cameras in Asheville Water- N-9296 Tromsø, Norway Mailcode 6504 shed, North Carolina by Thomas H. Phone 47 7775 0524 Southern Illinois University Eason, Danielle M. Eason, and Fax 47 7775 0501 Carbondale, IL 62901-6504, USA Gordon Warburton. Email [email protected] Phone (618) 453-6949 Current trends and techniques in Fax (618) 453-6944 hard mast sampling (abstract) by The IUCN/SSC Polar Bear Special- Email [email protected] William M. Healy. ist Group has developed a home page Strategies for black bear manage- (http://pbsg.npolar.no). The site was Managing Abundant Black Bears: ment in bottomland hardwood built and is maintained by Dag Needs, Strategies, Difficulties, the forests (abstract) by Richard A. Vongraven of the Norwegian Polar proceedings for the 15th Eastern Beausoleil. Institute ([email protected]). The Black Bear Workshop, held in Black bear management regula- site provides an overview of the Massachusetts in March 1999, have tions in Nova Scotia (abstract) by activities of the 13th meeting in been printed. Copies were mailed to Tony Nette. Nuuk, Greenland (23-28 June 2001); all paid attendees on April 8, 2002. Evaluation of the release of a listing of all meetings, beginning Paid attendees who have not re- rehabilitated orphaned cubs into the with the first meeting in 1965; ceived a copy should contact the Great Smoky Mountains (abstract) by contents of all proceedings; a PDF address above. Additional copies of Jay E. Clark, Brandon Wear, Michael copy of the 1997 meeting resolu- the 190 page proceedings are avail- R. Pelton, and Daryle Ratajczak. tions; list of attendees; and the press able from the IBA (order on page 43 Poster Abstracts releases of the meetings. The site or at www.bearbiology.com). Workshop Sessions includes the text of the 1973 Agree- Cultural carrying capacity. ment on the Conservation of Polar Contents Black bear populations. Bears, an overview of population Welcome List of Attendees. status, threats and conservation Donor List issues. There is a listing of polar bear Program references and soon, a database of Status Reports Russian literature on polar bears and 14 U.S. states, 2 Canadian provinces, marine mammals. A Frequently 1 national park, 1 university. Asked Questions section provides Invited Papers answers to a diversity of issues. The Black bear population dynamics in listing of relevant links to other the Southeast: some new perspec- pages is a useful source for those tives on some old problems by interested in polar bears, the Arctic, Joseph D. Clark. and related issues. Research needs and priorities by Craig R. McLaughlin and Michael R. Vaughan. Bear cultural carrying capacity (abstract) by Mark Ellingwood. Cultural carrying capacity for black bears in the Southeast (ab- stract) by Paul L. Davidson.

© Catherine Norkin International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 31 Events Grizzly Bears: Future A Workshop on Enhancing and Managing IBA Conferences Small Populations Sandpoint, Idaho, USA Wayne Kasworm, John Boulanger, 15th International Conference December 2-4, 2002 Wayne Wakkinen, Mike Proctor and November 2003 others. A panel discussion is planned Dehradun, India This workshop focuses on enhanc- with local political leaders and 16th International Conference ing small populations of grizzly bears citizens. Pertinent papers on this February 2004 in the U.S.-Canada transborder area, topic from Europe and Asia are California, USA and creating and managing new encouraged. Proceedings will be peer- 17th International Conference populations in linkage zones. It is reviewed and published. Send 2005 being coordinated by the IBA, local, suggestions for topics and to: Italy state, provincial, and federal govern- Sterling Miller mental agencies interested in grizzly National Wildlife Federation bears, and the National Wildlife 240 North Higgins, Suite 2 2nd International Federation. Missoula, MT 59847, USA Invited papers will be presented by Phone (406) 721-6705 Bear Symposium Mark Boyce, Lisette Waits, Chris Fax (406) 721-6714 October 21-25, 2002 Servheen, Matt Austin, Rick Mace, Email [email protected] Moscow, Russia Dave Mattson, Greg Schildwachter, Bear biology, population, behav- ior, including bear-human problems and hunting management. Reports are due May 15. Contact: Kurilov Nikolai Alexeevich Phone 7-095-459-0912 Fax 452 5674 Email [email protected]

Eighth Western Black Bear Workshop Bryoria Workshop October 14-15, 2002 April 15-17, 2003 Revelstoke, BC, Canada Chico Hot Springs Resort The Columbia Mountains Institute Pray, Montana, USA of Applied Ecology is hosting this third Hosted by the Hornocker Wildlife Institute— Trevor Goward workshop. Cost is $350 Wildlife Conservation Society and limited to 15 people. This field course is open to caribou biologists, ecosystem specialists, forest industry Cecily Costello are heading the organizing commit- representatives, resource managers, Hornocker Wildlife Institute— tee and are seeking a number of co- etc. interested in identification and Wildlife Conservation Society sponsors. The next IBA newsletter field ecology of Bryoria and other 2023 Stadium Drive, Suite 1A will have more information about arboreal forage lichens used by Bozeman, MT 59715, USA the workshop and registration mountain caribou. Phone (406) 522-9333 details. Make your plans now. The For workshop information, contact Email [email protected] workshop will be well worth your Trevor Goward phone (250) 674-2553, time. Every effort is being made to email [email protected] The Eighth Western Black Bear build on the success of past work- To register, visit www.cmiae.org or Workshop is scheduled for April shops, especially the great gathering contact: Jackie Morris, Columbia 2003 at Chico Hot Springs Resort, 45 in Oregon two years ago. This Mountains Institute of Applied miles south of Bozeman, on the way workshop is now sanctioned by the Ecology, Box 2568, Revelstoke BC V0E to the north entrance of Yellowstone Western Association of Fish and 2S0, Canada, phone (250) 837-9311, National Park. Cecily Costello, Wildlife Agencies. For more informa- fax (250) 837-4223, email Howard Quigley, and John Beecham tion, contact the address above. [email protected].

© Catherine Norkin 32 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Events 14th Conference— International Association for Bear Research and Management

Conference Papers Sending an abstract is not registra- tion for the conference. The authors of accepted presenta- tions are expected to submit the full- length manuscript for the IBA journal Ursus at the time of the conference. Do Steinkjer, Norway not send full-length manuscripts to Dampsaga Kulturhus the conference co-chairs; send them to (Old Sawmill Culture Hall) the editor of Ursus (address below). July 28-August 3, 2002 Instructions to authors are avail- able at http://www.bearbiology.com/ Conference website: umenu.html http://www.hint.no/bearconference Four double-spaced, paper copies The website will be updated regularly. (not electronic) of the full-length manuscript are due at the time of the conference, but earlier submissions Co-chairs: are welcome. Send to: Ole Jakob Sørenson Rich Harris Phone (47) 74 11 20 52 Editor, Ursus Fax (47) 74 11 21 01 218 Evans Email [email protected] Missoula, MT 59801, USA & Phone & Fax (406) 542-6399 Tor Kvam Email [email protected] Phone (47) 74 11 21 19 Fax (47) 74 11 21 01 Conference Registration Email [email protected] Participants are encouraged to Nord-Trondelag University College (HiNT) register for the conference and make Kongens gt. 42 hotel reservations online: http:// P.O. Box 145 www.hint.no/bearconference. Those N-7702 Steinkjer, Norway without internet access may use the registration form on page 39. After several decades with no, or very few bears, Norwegians are experienc- You may register for the confer- ing the immigration of bears from the dense populations in neighboring ence until July 28, 2002. The registra- Sweden, Finland and Russia. There are few bears in Norway, but those who are tion fee covers attendance at all the there create more worries and despair than people from countries with dense scientific sessions, abstract booklet, bear populations can imagine. and the full social program, includ- “Living with Bears” is the theme for this conference. Increased knowledge of ing the historic play Stiklestadspelet bears and bear biology is absolutely necessary for handling the new situation and conference banquet on Monday, properly. and the Wednesday field trip.

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 33 Events 14th Conference— International Association for Bear Research and Management

conference participants, but cannot hold them past mid-May. Please book your hotel rooms as soon as possible—or you may have to bring a tent! Room rates at Quality Grand Hotel and Tingvold Park Hotel: Single room inc. breakfast NOK 595 ($66) per person. Double room inc. breakfast NOK 400 ($45) per person. Six person rooms inc. breakfast NOK 220 ($24.50) per person. Prices are lower at boarding houses. Lunch at hotels and restaurants, from NOK 50 ($6) per person. Dinner, from NOK 120 ($13.50) per person. Prices may change with exchange Accompanying Persons excursions have been planned: from rates. January 2002 exchange rates: Accompanying persons (who have visiting a deer farm to moose US$1=NOK 9.00, 1EURO=NOK 8.00. not paid the conference registration spotting and salmon fishing (see fee) do not have access to the page 37). Booking for evening Travel to Steinkjer scientific sessions and will have to excursions will be on a first-come, Oslo Airport Gardermoen is the pay NOK 350 for joining the social first-serve basis. Reservations can be main entrance to Norway. Two program (including Stiklestadspelet, made at the conference website flights every hour (Boeing 737) leave the conference banquet and the (http://www.hint.no/bearconference) Gardermoen for Trondheim Airport Wednesday field trip). and at the registration desk at Vernes, which is 120 km south of Dampsaga Kulturhus. Steinkjer. Trains from Trondheim to Conference Schedule Steinkjer leave Vernes at 15 minutes We will start with an ice-breaker Post-conference Field Trips before the hour from 0545 to 2345. on Sunday evening. We have pre- We are providing field trips of The railway station is outside the pared four days of presentations with varying lengths and costs after the airport. The train trip to Steinkjer is field trips on Wednesday. conference: from a hike in typical 1.5 hours. The conference banquet is sched- mid-Scandinavian bear habitat in The Quality Grand Hotel is 100 m uled for Monday evening at Stiklestad back-country areas on the border from the Steinkjer train station, where Culture Hall near the site of the Battle between Norway and Sweden to an registration on Sunday and hotel of Stiklestad, where St. Olaf, King of excursion to polar bear habitat in reservations will be arranged. The Norway, was killed in 1030 AD. Before Svalbard (Spitsbergen). See page 38 registration desk moves to Dampsaga the banquet we will watch the historic and the conference website (http:// Kulturhus beginning Monday. Coach play, Stiklestadspelet, based on the www.hint.no/bearconference) for service from Quality Grand Hotel to tradition from 1030 AD. You will find details. Please register for field trips Dampsaga Kulturhus will be available on more information on Stiklestad and St. using our online form. Field trips will arrival in Steinkjer on Sunday and Olaf at: http://www.medsca.org/olaf/ be booked on a first-come, first-serve Monday. Coach service on arrival will frameset.html. basis. also be arranged for participants/guests Evening Excursions Lodging and Food staying at other hotels. Coach service A variety of low cost evening We have reserved rooms for between the hotels and the conference site (Dampsaga Kulturhus) will be available every morning.

34 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Events 14th IBA Conference Program

To date, the conference program Backus, V. and Gilpin, M., Indi- DNA-Techniques in Bear includes 122 papers and posters by vidual based modeling: a decision Population Research 218 authors from 28 countries tool for reintroduction and augmen- Chair: Kate Kendall around the glode: Argentina, Austria, tation. Metsalu, M. et al., History of Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Invited paper 1: brown bear populations from Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Vaisfeld, M.A., Living with bears Estonia, Finland and Russia. Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, in Russia. Vowels, K. et al., Estimating India, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mongolia, Invited paper 2: population numbers of black bears in The Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Johnsingh, A.J.S., Four bear species eastern Kentucky using microsatellite Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, and one billion people; management analysis. Sweden, Turkey and USA. challenges in India. Furman, B. et al., Resurgence of black bear in Kentucky: genetic Field Techniques in Bear Biology structure, variability, and feasibility Bear Research Schwartz, C.C. et al., Reproductive of restoration. Chair: Karen Noyce senescence in the brown/grizzly bear. Haroldson, M.A., Estimates of Caulkett, N.A. et al., Comparative Lee, D.J. et al., Dispersal of grizzly bear numbers visiting physiological effects of immobilizing yearling and subadult black bears in Yellowstone Lake spawning streams agents in North American ursids. western Virginia. using DNA. Chauhan, N.P.S., Activity patterns Nygård, T. et al., Home range sizes Ruiz-GarcÌa, M. et al., Population of sloth bear in fragmented and of brown bear in a border area genetic structure of the Andean bear disturbed areas of Bilaspur Forest between Norway and Sweden with (Tremarctos ornatus) in Venezuela, Division, Chattishgarh, India. different livestock husbandry Colombia and Ecuador using Klenzendorf, S.A. & Vaughan, patterns. hypervariable microsatellite loci. M.R., Effect of radio-collars on black Troya, V., Food habits of the Viteri, P., Characterization of a bear survival analyses. Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) in wild population of Andean bear Bridges, A.S. et al., Field identifica- five vegetation types at the Oyacachi (Tremarctos ornatus) through non- tion of yearling black bears with a River Basin, Cayambe-Coca Ecologi- invasive techniques, in the Cayambe- morphometric based dichotomous cal Reserve, Ecuador. Coca Ecological Reserve, Ecuador. key. Yoganand. K. et al., Behavior, Waits, L. et al., Bear/human Olfenbuttel, C. et al., Use of ecology and conservation of sloth interactions: genetic contributions to ultrasonography as a non-invasive bears in a dry forest in Central India: management decisions. tool to detect and monitor black bear an overview. Peacock, E. & Peacock, M. M., fetal development. Reynolds, H.V. III et al., Popula- Movements of black bears in the Yoganand. K. & Rice, C.G., Sloth tion characteristics of grizzly bears in Alexander archipelago of Southeast- bear sign survey: can it be used to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ern Alaska: a genetic analysis. monitor population trends? Alaska, 1982-1990. Klemen, J. and Adamic M., The Public Event I Reintroduction and brown bear’s spatial expansion in Peyton, B., The spectacled bear of Augmentation Slovenia: speed of expansion and the Andes; conservation efforts and Chair: Jiska van Dijk saturation dependent dispersion. results Mustoni A. et al., Testing the Stenhouse, G.B. et al., Grizzly bear predictions of the feasibility study associations and pairings along the for the reintroduction of the brown eastern slopes of Alberta. bear in the Italian Alps: preliminary Eason, T. H. and Pelton, M. R., data of costs of the program, space Population ecology of black bears in use and damage patterns of the seven Great Smoky Mountains National released bears. Park. Sharpe, S.S. & Mason, G.J., Behavioral persistence in captive bears: implications for reintroduction.

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 35 Events 14th IBA Conference Program, cont’d.

Bear Management Issues Peralvo, M. and Cuesta, F., Priority Chair: Diana Doan-Crider Chair: Francisco Cuesta areas definition for Andean bear Sathyakumar, S., Brown bear– Invited paper 3: habitat conservation in the Ecologi- human conflicts in Zanskar and Suru Bears and humans in the Andes cal Reserve Cayambe-Coca and its Valleys, Ladakh, India. mountains. influence zone, Ecuador. Morrison, H. and Tucker,W., Swenson, Jon E. et al., The future Reynolds, M. & Mitchell, M., Grizzly bears and visitors in the of the brown bear in Scandinavia Spatio-temporal effects of timber Moraine Lake area of Banff National based on today’s management in harvesting on habitat quality for Park–how effective is restricted access Sweden and Norway. black bears. at allowing controlled visitation Bjärvall, A. et al., Recent and Schwab, B.L. et al., Connections while maintaining grizzly bears in planned strategies for brown bear that matter: a graph theoretic the area? management in Sweden. analysis of grizzly bear movement in Goldstein, I. et al., Spectacled Watkins, V., The trade in bear gall the Yellowhead Ecosystem, Alberta, bear-cattle conflicts: a regional bladder and bile products in Asia and Canada. perspective. the public awareness campaign Huber, D. et al., The effectiveness Shideler, R. and Hechtel, J., aimed at changing consumer atti- of green bridges in Gorski Kotar Evaluation of hazing to reduce tudes. (Croatia) for brown bears. conflicts between grizzly bears and Emre Can, Oe., Status of brown oil production activities in the bears in Turkey and the priorities for Public Event II Prudhoe Bay oilfields, Alaska. research and conservation. Fifty years of bear research in Palomero, G. et al., Brown bear Rodriguez, D. et al., Social reality Yellowstone; good for bear manage- interactions with large mammals; in Colombia and the Andean bear ment and for bear survival? implications for its conservation in survival: a program for its conserva- the Cantabrian mountains. tion. Bears and Humans Today Yamazaki, K., Conflicts between Invited paper 4: and Through History Japanese black bears and human Eggen, T. et al., Living with bears Chair: Anders Bjärvall beings in the Okutama mountains, in Central Norway: viewpoint from Andersone, Z., Ozolins, J., Percep- Central Japan. the local management level. tion of brown bears by the general Jonozovic, M. & Adamic, M., public and hunters in Latvia. Density of European brown bears Landscape and Habitat Mather, D., Archaeological and the extent of reported bear Approach in Bear Research evidence of bear graves and bear damages in Slovenia: do they have and Management ceremonies in Minnesota. anything in common? Chair: A.J.S. Johnsingh Gilbert, B., Emerging from the Christiansen, F., Preventive Augeri, D., Effects on sun bear dark side: a re-interpretation of measures toward predator damages (Helarctos malayanus) ecology, grizzly-human relationships based on on sheep; herding and the use of landscape use, and conservation. current and historical evidence. livestock guarding dogs in Lierne Akhtar, N. et al., Habitat utiliza- Aasetre, J., Managers and farmers: Community. tion by problematic sloth bear in do they understand each other? disturbed and unprotected habitat of Soibelzon, L., A general review of North Bilaspur forest division, the South American pleistocene Madhya Pradesh, India. short–faced bears (Ursidae: Baskin, L. M., Forest fragmenta- Tremarctinae). tion as the main factor of brown bear Røv, N., The Evenki and the bears range diminishing in Eastern Europe. of Transbaikal, now and through Onorato, D.P. et al., Ecological history. characteristics of an oscillating Invited paper 5: population of black bears: home Iregren, E., Bear cult in the range, habitat use, den modeling and Scandinavian peninsula. management implications for a Bear Human Conflicts desert montane island.

36 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Events 14th IBA Conference Excursions

There are three types of excursions: 1.5 Boat Trip on the Snåsa Lake 1. afternoon–night trips; 2. full day Location: The Snåsa Lake and trips; 3. daytime family trips. surrounding areas. Theme: Snåsa Lake boat trip on 1. Afternoon–Night Trips Bonden II. Go ashore at Bøla for a visit 1.1 Roe Deer on Ytterøy to the world famous rock carving of Location: Ytterøy Island in the the Bøla reindeer from 4000 BC. Be Trondheim fjord. aware: Loch Ness is not the only lake Theme: The densest population of where Nessie is observed! The speci- roe deer in Norway. men in the Snåsa Lake has officially Price: NOK 300 per person includ- been declared a protected species. ing bus transport, ferryboat and an Price: NOK 170 per person excellent meal of red deer venison. including bus transport, and a full dogs, fences and other remedies to 1.2 Norwegian Deer Farming meal on the boat. survive as sheepholders. Location: Gjørv Farm, Inderøy. 1.6 Outdoor Camp Price: Included in conference fee. Theme: Visit a deer farm with Location: Brandheia Outdoor 2.2 Coast Excursion approximately 200 animals and learn Camp, Ogndal. Location: Sørgjæslingan Fishing about management, harvesting, venison Theme: Outdoor camp activities. Village. By bus from Steinkjer to production and economy. See a tradi- Running on floating logs, swimming Namsos (80 km). From Namsos by tional Gjørv Farm with typical regional in the Østervatnet Lake, wood heated boat in the beautiful coastal waters buildings, its history and culture. sauna, outdoor tourism, etc. on Namsen Fjord to the ancient and Price: NOK 300 per person includ- Price: NOK 350 per person includ- remote fishing village. ing bus transport, and an excellent ing bus transport and an exotic meal Theme: Boat trip with the Coast meal of deer venison from the farm. from local game resources, and “black Guard vessel KV Garsøy. Coastal and 1.3 Moose Safari kettle” coffee cooked over an open fire. marine flora and fauna, fish farming, Location: Beitstad, Steinkjer. 1.7 Canoeing and Cave Visit and traditional ocean fishing. Theme: Bus trip with a local guide Location: Ogndalen Valley, Steinkjer. Price: Included in conference fee. to observe moose in their natural Theme: Visit natural rock caves environment. and take a canoe ride on the calm 3. Family Trips Price: NOK 300 per person including river. All participants will be fully Special programs for families. bus transport and an excellent moose equipped with safety gear. 3.1 Zoological Park and Amuse- venison meal, served in a forest camp. Price: NOK 300 per person includ- ment Center 1.4 Go-Cart Driving ing bus transport, and outdoor meal Location: Namsskogan Family Park Location: Overrein Go-Cart with sandwiches, coffee/tea and (110 km. from Steinkjer). Centre, Ogndal. chocolate. NOK 150 per person Theme: A zoological center with Theme: Go-cart driving. including bus transport for canoeing activities such as a barbecue, swim- Price: NOK 100 per person only (no meal included). ming, target shooting, etc. Meals can including bus transport. be purchased at the cafeteria. They 2. Full Day Trips even have bears. Wednesday June 31 2002, leave Price: NOK 170 per person includ- Steinkjer after an early breakfast. ing bus transport but no meals. 2.1 Bear Country Excursion 3.2 Outdoor Camp Location: By bus (160 km) to Location: Brandheia Outdoor Lierne, on the border with Sweden. Camp (16 km from Steinkjer). Theme: Visit farms where preda- Theme: Canoeing and small boat tion on sheep has been severe for rowing on the nearby lake, shooting, years. Hear and see the effect on the running on floating logs, nature life of local people, and how they are trails, fish grilling, etc.—safe and trying to solve their problems. Visit interesting for all ages. sheep-holders who use guarding- Price: NOK 130 for adults and NOK 80 for children including bus transport.

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 37 Events 14th IBA Post-conference Trips

Svalbard/Spitsbergen Departure: Trondheim airport Saturday, August 3. Price: approximately NOK 15,000 including flight and visit. A one week trip including a two-day stay in Longyearbyen (UNIS, coal mines, museum) and a boat trip along the northwest coast with the midnight sun. We hope to observe polar bear north of New Ålesund.

Experience the Norwegian Coast Enjoy the coast in a traditional sailing boat for three to four days. Price range: NOK 2,500.

From Steinkjer to the Moose Symposium in Hafjell A. Via Dovre. Two nights at Kongsvoll Mountain Inn with a mountain safari, musk ox and wolverine. B. Via Røros. Two nights in Røros, a UNESCO world heritage site comparable to the Egytian pyramids or Versailles. For more information: http:// www.rorosinfo.com.

Lierne— Norwegian Bear Kingdom A. Mountain trip with tents. A demanding trip for people interested in camping, which will be weather dependent. B. A stay at Lierne Motel (May- Britt) for two to four nights. Full board, lodging, day trips. Possible bear meat on the menu. Price: Approximately NOK 2000.

Register Online Now! Online registration is available for post-conference trips. Please register early so we can make final arrange- ments for trips.

38 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 Events 14th IBA Conference Registration Form We urge all who have access to the internet to register online at http://www.hint.no/bearconference. Please note: Your registration will not be processed until payment has been received. Register one person per form. Print your name, as you would like it to appear on your nametag.

Name: ______

Organization: ______

Address: ______

City/State/Zip: ______

Email: ______

Emergency Contact Name: ______

Emergency Contact Phone: ______

Conference Registration Fee Includes: conference, breaks, conference banquet, Stiklestad play, conference site coach, Wednesday field trip.

Conference registration: NOK 2400; students: NOK 1800 NOK ______

Guest tickets for Stiklestad play and conference banquet (NOK 350 per person) No. of guest tickets _____ NOK ______Stiklestad play and conference banquet is included in the conference fee. Accompanying persons must purchase guest tickets

TOTAL AMOUNT: NOK ______

Cancellation/Refund Policy for Conference Registration Fees: No refunds for no shows.

Mail payment and registration form to: HiNT/IBA Bear Conference, Serviceboks 2501, 7729 Steinkjer, Norway

You May Pay by Credit Card or Check: Make checks payable to: HiNT/IBA Bear Conference

VISA/MasterCard accepted. Check card type: VISA______MasterCard ______

Signature______Card #______Expiration date______

We intend to make this conference accessible to all individuals. If you have a disability or dietary needs and require accommodations to participate, please check here ______. Someone will contact you to discuss your specific needs.

Wednesday field trip—NOT a reservation, just a survey of wishes. I would like to join a field trip to: 1. Bear habitats on the Swedish border. ______2. Coast of central Norway (salmon farming, fishing). ______3. Other suggestions. ______

International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 39 International Bear News

The quarterly newsletter of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA). Editor: Teresa DeLorenzo, Design Editor: Cynthia Cheney, Conservation Publications, Inc. International Bear News, ISSN #1064-1564 10907 NW Copeland St., Portland, Oregon 97229-6145, USA Phone (503) 643-4008, Fax (503) 643-4072, Email [email protected] Website www.bearbiology.com

All members receive the newsletter. Send articles, artwork, photographs, etc. for publication to the address above. Deadline for the August 2002 issue is July 15, 2002.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue. Artwork is copyrighted—do not reproduce without permission. Thank you to CityGraphics, Portland, Oregon, USA for generously discounting the cost of printing.

Membership Use the form on the pages 41-42 to order or renew memberships, and update member information. About the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) The International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) is a non-profit tax-exempt (USA tax # 94-3102570) organization open to professional biologists, wildlife managers and others dedicated to the conservation of all bear species. The organization has over 750 members from about 44 countries. It supports the scientific management of bears through research and distribution of information. The IBA sponsors international conferences on all aspects of bear biology, ecology and management. The proceedings are published as peer-reviewed scientific papers in the annual journal Ursus.

IBA Officers and Council Harry Reynolds, President* Frank van Manen, Treasurer* Karen Noyce* Alaska Department of Fish and Game U.S. Geological Survey Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources 1300 College Road Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory 1201 East Highway 2 Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA University of Tennessee Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA Phone (907) 459-7238 274 Ellington Hall Phone (218) 327-4432 Fax (907) 451-9723 Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Fax (218) 327-4181 Email [email protected] Phone (865) 974-0200 Email [email protected] Fax (865) 974-3555 Djuro Huber, Vice President for Eurasia^ Email [email protected] Bernard Peyton^ University of Zagreb 2841 Forest Avenue Biology Department, Veterinary Faculty Andrew Derocher* Berkeley, CA 94705, USA Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb Norwegian Polar Institute Phone (510) 549-9661 Republic of Croatia Tromso N-9296, Norway Fax (510) 549-3116 Phone 385 1 2390 141 Phone 47 77 750524 Email [email protected] Fax 385 1 244 1390 Fax 47 77 750501 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Chuck Schwartz* Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team Sterling Miller, Vice President for Americas* John Hechtel* Forestry Sciences Lab, Montana State University National Wildlife Federation Alaska Department of Fish and Game Bozeman, MT 59717, USA 240 North Higgins, Suite 2 1800 Glenn Highway, Suite 4 Phone (406) 994-5043 Missoula, MT 59802, USA Palmer, AK 99645, USA Fax (406) 994-6416 Phone (406) 721-6705 Phone (907) 746-6331 Email [email protected] Fax (406) 721-6714 Fax (907) 746-6305 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Jon Swenson^ Dept. of Biology and Nature Conservation Joseph Clark, Secretary* Bruce McLellan, Past President* Agricultural University of Norway U.S. Geological Survey British Columbia Forest Service Postbox 5014 Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory Research Branch N-1432 Ås, Norway University of Tennessee RPO #3, Box 9158 Phone 47-64 94 85 30 274 Ellington Hall Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 3K0, Canada Fax 47-64 94 85 02 Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Phone (250) 837-7767 Email [email protected] Phone (865) 974-4790 Fax (250) 837-7626 Fax (865) 974-3555 Email [email protected] Richard B. Harris Email [email protected] Ursus Editor (non-voting) 218 Evans Missoula, MT 59801, USA Phone & Fax (406) 542-6399 *term expires 2004 Email [email protected] ^term expires 2002

40 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 IBA Membership Application & Survey

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International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 41 IBA Member Application & Survey, cont’d. Please Complete Information on Both Sides of Form!

Please check columns in which you have expertise and/or are willing to assist/advise IBA: 1. Expertise 2. Advise/Assist IBA 1. Expertise 2. Advise/Assist IBA Accounting Legal American Black Bear** years Legislative Processes Asiatic Black Bear** years Life History Andean Bear** years Management Awards* Member Concerns* Bear-Human Conflict Media Relations Bears in Culture Mentoring/Training* Behavior Newsletter* Bylaws* Nominations* Brown Bear** years Nuisance/Damage Management Conferences* Nutrition Conservation* Organizational Development Disease Pathology Economic Development* Physiology Education/Outreach* Polar Bear** years Enforcement Policy* Ethics* Population Dynamics Evolution Quantitative Analysis Field Research Sloth Bear** years Financial Management Strategic Planning* Food Habits Sun Bear** years Genetics Toxicology Giant Panda** years Travel Grants* GIS Ursus Journal* Grant Review* Veterinary IBA History/Archive Website* Habitat Evaluation Wildlife Rehabilitation Husbandry/Zoo Other—Specify **Please indicate number of years of experience with each species *Indicates an IBA committee

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42 International Bear News May 2002 vol. 11, no. 2 IBA Publications Order Form Ursus Journal & IBA Conference Proceedings Cost Quantity Total 4th 1980 Montana 1977 $30.00 5th 1983 Wisconsin 1980 $30.00 6th 1986 Arizona 1983 $30.00 7th 1987 Virginia/Yugoslavia 1986 $35.00 8th 1990 British Columbia 1989 $40.00 9th (1) 1994 Montana 1992 $45.00 9th (2) 1997 France 1992 $25.00 10th 1998 Ursus-Alaska/Sweden 1995 $40.00 11th 1999 Ursus 11 NEW! $45.00 12th 2001 Ursus 12 NEW! $45.00 Eastern Black Bear Workshop Proceedings, USA 10th 1991 Arkansas 1990 $15.00 11th 1992 New Hampshire 1992 $15.00 13th 1996 Vermont 1996 $15.00 15th 2002 Massachusetts 1999 NEW! $15.00 16th 2001 South Carolina 2001 NEW! $15.00 Western Black Bear Workshop Proceedings, USA 1st 1979 Arizona 1979 $15.00 4th 1993 California 1991 $15.00 5th 1995 Utah 1993 $15.00 7th 2001 Oregon 2000 NEW! $15.00 Polar Bear Proceedings 10th 1988 USSR NEW! $10.00 Safety in Bear Country Videos NEW! Staying Safe in Bear Country $20.00 Staying Safe in Bear Country & Working in Bear Country $30.00 Staying Safe in Bear Country Public Performance Rights $69.00 Staying Safe in Bear Country/Working in Bear Country PPR $129.00 Monographs of the IBA A Proposed Delineation of Critical Grizzly Bear Habitat in the Yellowstone Region (#1, 1977)

m legibly! By J. J. Craighead $10.00 The Status and Conservation of the Bears of the World (#2, 1989) By C. Servheen $10.00 Density-Dependent Population Regulation of Black, Brown and Polar Bears (#3, 1994) Edited by M. Taylor $10.00 Population Viability for Grizzly Bears: A Critical Review (#4, 2001) NEW! By M. Boyce, B. Blanchard, R. Knight, C. Servheen $10.00

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Join the IBA and receive International Bear News. Use the form on pages 41-42 or at www.bearbiology.com The IBA knows deserving biologists who need memberships, please consider donating one. Use the form on page 41

IBA Mission Statement Goal: The goal of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) is to promote the conservation and restoration of the world’s bears through science-based research, management and education. Objectives: In support of this goal, IBA’s objectives are to: 1. Promote and foster well-designed research of the highest professional standards. 2. Develop and promote sound stewardship of the world’s bears through scientifically based population and habitat manage- ment. 3. Publish and distribute, through its conferences and publications, peer-reviewed scientific and technical information of high quality addressing broad issues of ecology, conservation and management. 4. Encourage communication and collaboration across scientific disciplines and among bear researchers and managers through conferences, workshops and newsletters. 5. Increase public awareness and understanding of bear ecology, conservation, and management by encouraging the transla- tion of technical information into popular literature and other media, as well as through other educational forums. 6. Encourage the professional growth and development of our members. 7. Provide professional counsel and advice on issues of natural resource policy related to bear management and conservation. 8. Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity.

Deadline for the August 2002 issue is July 15, 2002 printed with soy-based ink on Vanguard Recycled Plus chlorine-free, acid-free, 10% hemp or flax, 90% post-consumer waste paper