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Ecology of Black Bears on the Beartooth Face, South-Central

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Ecology of Black Bears on the Beartooth Face, South-Central Ecology of black bears on the Beartooth Face, south-central Montana by John Andrew Mack A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management Montana State University © Copyright by John Andrew Mack (1988) Abstract: Black bear (Ursus americanus) activity, denning characteristics, fall food indices, food habits, habitat use, and home range were investigated along the Beartooth Face in southwestern Montana during 1985 and 1986. This report presents information gathered during the final phase of continuing black bear studies begining in 1981. Black bears were highly active during the day and both crepusular periods. Activity decreased substantially during darkness between 0100 and 0300 hours Mountain Standard Time. No differences in physical den characteristics (aspect, slope, and elevation) were detected between males and females. Black bears had more dens (61%) on northerly aspects. Black bears tended to den on steeper slopes (94% between 20-40%) and higher elevations (X=2239 m) compared to other studies. Denning took place during a 4-5 week period beginning the last week in' September 1986. The largest number of bears denned between 8-15 October 1986. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) transects were established in 1985 to develop long term production indices and determine black bear relationships to these important fall foods. Black bears consumed foods from as many as 9 different categories. The foods bears consumed varied seasonally and between years according to availability and succulence. Graminoid and forb consumption varied the least between years and these foods were consumed primarily in the spring and early summer. Fall food habits varied dramatically between the 2 years of study and were closely tied to the availability of 2 important fall food groups, whitebark pine and berries. Elevational use, rates of movement (km/day), and female home range stability for black bears in late summer and fall appeared dependant upon availability of important fall foods. Habitat use was examined for 5 female black bears. The conifer-shrub type was used proportionally more, grass meadows proportionally less, and all other types in proportion to availability. During spring and summer, female black bears consistently use habitats between 2000 and 2100 m elevation, a zone having the highest potential for the greatest habitat diversity. Mean annual home ranges for black bears were among the largest reported in the literature (151-238 km2 for males and 28-38 km2 for females). Females with cubs had significantly smaller home ranges than females without cubs. Adult females appear to have stable spring-summer home ranges. Management efforts should be directed to enhancing and protecting the security and diversity of critical spring-summer habitat, found primarily on moist northern aspects at average elevations between 2000 and 2100 m. Whitebark pine areas, especially on the East Boulder Plateau, may be important to reproductive females and should receive minimum impact considerations. The importance of fall foods to reproductive females amplifies the importance of determining bear relationships to fall foods. ECOLOGY OF BLACK BEARS ON THE BEARTOOTH FACE SOUTH-CENTRAL MONTANA by John Andrew Mack A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY Bozeman, Montana July 1988 APPROVAL of a thesis submitted by John Andrew Mack This thesis has been read by each member of the thesis committee and has been found to be satisfactory regarding content, English usage, format, citations, bibliographic style, and consistency, and is ready for submission to the College of Graduate Studies. JLjA-, H ZLK Chairperson^'Graduate Committee Approved for the Major Department Head, Major Department Approved for the College of Graduate Studies bate 0 GraduateHT77Dean STATEMENT OF PERMISSION TO USE In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master's degree at Montana State University, I agree that the Library shall make it available to borrowers under the rules of the Library. Brief quotations from this thesis are allowable without special permission, provided that accurate acknowledgment of source is made. Permission for extensive quotation from or reproduction of this thesis may be granted by my major professor, or in his absence, by the Dean of Libraries when, in the opinion of either, the proposed use of the material is for scholarly purposes. Any copying or use of the material in this thesis for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I extend my deepest appreciation to Claire Simmons, biologist for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP), for encouragement, support, long hours "talking bears", and explaining that all the frustrations and accomplishments of this project were all part of the "graduate process". Shawn Stewart and Charlie Eustace, from the MDFWP, provided valuable field assistance and other support during this project. The Houston Safari Club provided the majority of the funding for this project, demonstrating their interest and support for wildlife. I am indebted to my major professor Dr. Harold Picton for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this project and putting in long hours reviewing many drafts of this thesis. I also thank Drs. Lynn Irby, William Gould, and Robert Moore for reviewing my thesis. The U.S. Forest Service, Big Timber District, allowed me use of the facilities at the Main Boulder Work Station. Jackie Riley and Gina Gahagan, Gallatin National Forest, provided me with orthophotoquad overlays and habitat type maps. The Fergusons, from Yellowstone Air Service, put in early morning hours and provided safe flights for radio-relocations. I extend my gratitude to landowners Paul and Kathy Donnahoe and Elmer Myrstol for allowing me full access on their property. I appreciate Dal Burkhalter's assistance in computer analysis. I thank Dan Long and Michelle Gouker for their -field assistance. Finally, I thank my parents, Brian and Jo Anne for their encouragement, support, and love these past 3 years. V TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS................................ iv TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................... v LIST OF TABLES............................ ........................viii LIST OF FIGURES.................................................... x ABSTRACT.......................... ................................ xii INTRODUCTION....................................................... I STUDY AREA. ........................................................ 3 Physiography........................ 3 Climate............................. 5 Vegetation.................................................... 6 Administration and Land Use.............. 8 METHODS................................. 10 Bear Capture................... 10 Radio Relocation............................... 12 Activity Monitoring........................ 13 Black Bear Denning............... 15 Fall Food Production Indices.............. 15 Whitebark Pine Transects................................ 15 Hawthorn Transects........ 16 Scat Collection.......................................... 16 Vegetation and Habitat Type Analysis........................ 17 Analysis of Female Black Bear Habitat Use............... 19 Home Range Analysis........................................... 20 RESULTS............................................................. 22 Activity Monitoring.......................................... 22 Black Bear Denning..................... 24 Analysis of Slope, Elevation, and Aspect............... 24 Den Entrance and Emergence........... 25 Bear -Den Relocation....................•••............. 26 Post Denning Behavior of Females With Cubs............. 27 General Den Characteristics............................ 28 vi TABLE OF CONTENTS-Continued Page Fall Food Indices.............. ... ......................... 28 Whitebark Pine Indices........................... 28 Hawthorn Indices........................................ 31 Food Habits.................................................. 32 Graminoid U s e .......................................■ 32 Forb Use..................................................39 Sporophyte Use......... 39 Insect Use................................................39 Shrub Use............................................... 40 Mammal Use........................................... 41 Whitebark Pine Use................... 41 Habitat Use................................................ 42 Female Use of Habitat Types......... 42 Observability in Relation to Habitat.................... 45 Spring Grass and Forb Production and Moisture Content.. 45 . Use of Aspect................................ 46 Elevational Use.......................................... 46 Home Range.................................................... 50 Annual Home Range....................................... 50 Seasonal Home Range..................................... 51 Comparisons Between Seasons........................ 51 Comparisons Between Reproductive and Sex Groups... 51 Movements.............................................. 53 Comparisons Between Months Within Groups.......... 53 ' Comparisons Between Reproductive Groups........... 56 Comparisons Between Years Within Sexes........... 56 Comparisons Between Sexes........................ 57 • Home
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