DOCSLIB.ORG

Fast Facts Diet Population Defenders at Work

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Fast Facts Diet Population Defenders at Work The American black bear is the smallest of the three bears species found in North America, and are found only in North America. Black bears have short, non-retractable claws that give them an excellent tree-climbing ability. Fast Facts Height: 2-3 feet (.6-.9m) at shoulders Length: 4-7 feet (1.2-2m) from nose to tip of tail Weight: Males weigh an average of 150-300 lbs (68-158 kg), females are smaller. Exceptionally large males have been known to weigh 500-600 lbs (227-272 kg). Lifespan: Average lifespan is around ten years, though black bears can live upward of 30 years in the wild. Black bear fur is usually a uniform color except for a brown muzzle and light markings that sometimes appear on their chests. Eastern populations are usually black in color while western populations often show brown, cinnamon, and blond coloration in addition to black. Black bears with white-bluish fur are known as Kermode (glacier) bears and these unique color phases are only found in coastal British Columbia, Canada. Diet American black bears are omnivorous: plants, fruits, nuts, insects, honey, salmon, small mammals and carrion. In northern regions, they eat spawning salmon. Black bears will also occasionally kill young deer or moose calves. Population Defenders at Work Defenders is working to protect the Florida black bear by helping preserve its habitat and educating citizens with our Habitat for Bears campaign, which includes presentations, curriculum, and a learning and resource box. Learn more about what Defenders is doing to help black bears >> It is estimated that there are at least 600,000 black bears in North America. In the United States, there are estimated to be over 300,000 individuals. However, the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolu) and Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) are threatened subspecies with small populations (see Legal Status/Protection). Range The American black bear is distributed throughout North America, from Canada to Mexico and in at least 40 states in the U.S. They historically occupied nearly all of the forested regions of North America, but in the U.S. they are now restricted to the forested areas less densely occupied by humans. In Canada, black bears still inhabit most of their historic range except for the intensively farmed areas of the central plains. In Mexico, black bears were thought to have inhabited the mountainous regions of the northern states but are now limited to a few remnant populations. Behavior Black bears are extremely adaptable and show a great variation in habitat types, though they are primarily found in forested areas with thick ground vegetation and an abundance of fruits, nuts, and vegetation. In the northern areas, they can be found in the tundra, and they will sometimes forage in fields or meadows. Black bears tend to be solitary animals, with the exception of mothers and cubs. The bears usually forage alone, but will tolerate each other and forage in groups if there is an abundance of food in one area. Most black bears hibernate depending on local weather conditions and availability of food during the winter months. In regions where there is a consistent food supply and warmer weather throughout the winter, bears may not hibernate at all or do so for a very brief time. Females give birth and usually remain denned throughout the winter, but males and females without young may leave their dens from time to time during winter months. Reproduction Mating Season: Summer. Gestation: 63-70 days. Litter Size: 1-6 cubs; 2 cubs are most common. Cubs remain with the mother for a year and a half or more, even though they are weaned at 6-8 months of age. Females only reproduce every second year (or more). Should the young die for some reason, the female may reproduce again after only one year. Threats Habitat loss and fragmentation, logging, human encroachment, road-kills, poaching and depredation kills. Highways, homes and other developments built through bear habitat fragment their habitat, sometimes keeping them from large areas they depend on for food, water and shelter. Habitat fragmentation also makes it difficult for bears to find mates and limits their chances to move into more suitable habitat. There is a misconception that black bears are vicious animals. Because there is a common misconception among people that black bears are vicious, increasing numbers of bears are being killed as more people move into bear habitat and have interactions with them. Reasons For Hope Most existing black bear populations are either stable or growing in the United States thanks to their adaptability and careful state management. Legal Status/Protection . Endangered Species Act (ESA): Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolu) is listed as threatened. In Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, the American black bear is protected by legislation as a threatened species due to its close resemblance to the Louisiana subspecies. The Florida black bear subspecies (Ursus americanus floridanus) is listed as threatened by the state of Florida. In most of the remaining states, black bears are classified as a game animal. In Canada the bears are classified as a pest species in the agricultural areas of Manitoba, while they are classified as a game animal and/or furbearer in the rest of Canada. In Mexico, the black bear is listed as Endangered by Mexican wildlife authorities. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Environmental Sensitivity Index Guidelines Version 2.0
    NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS ORCA 115 Environmental Sensitivity Index Guidelines Version 2.0 October 1997 Seattle, Washington noaa NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION National Ocean Service Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment National Ocean Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Department of Commerce The Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment (ORCA) provides decisionmakers comprehensive, scientific information on characteristics of the oceans, coastal areas, and estuaries of the United States of America. The information ranges from strategic, national assessments of coastal and estuarine environmental quality to real-time information for navigation or hazardous materials spill response. Through its National Status and Trends (NS&T) Program, ORCA uses uniform techniques to monitor toxic chemical contamination of bottom-feeding fish, mussels and oysters, and sediments at about 300 locations throughout the United States. A related NS&T Program of directed research examines the relationships between contaminant exposure and indicators of biological responses in fish and shellfish. Through the Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Division (HAZMAT) Scientific Support Coordination program, ORCA provides critical scientific support for planning and responding to spills of oil or hazardous materials into coastal environments. Technical guidance includes spill trajectory predictions, chemical hazard analyses, and assessments of the sensitivity of marine and estuarine environments to spills. To fulfill the responsibilities of the Secretary of Commerce as a trustee for living marine resources, HAZMAT’s Coastal Resource Coordination program provides technical support to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during all phases of the remedial process to protect the environment and restore natural resources at hundreds of waste sites each year.
    [Show full text]
  • History and Status of the American Black Bear in Mississippi
    History and status of the American black bear in Mississippi Stephanie L. Simek1,5, Jerrold L. Belant1, Brad W. Young2, Catherine Shropshire3, and Bruce D. Leopold4 1Carnivore Ecology Laboratory, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University, Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA 2Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, 1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211, USA 3Mississippi Wildlife Federation, 517 Cobblestone Court, Suite 2, Madison, MS 39110, USA 4Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA Abstract: Historically abundant throughout Mississippi, American black bears (Ursus americanus) have declined due to habitat loss and overharvest. By the early 1900s, the bear population was estimated at ,12 individuals, and Mississippi closed black bear hunting in 1932. However, habitat loss continued and by 1980 suitable habitat was estimated at 20% (20,234 km2) of historic levels (101,171 km2) with the decline continuing. Although black bear abundance is currently unknown, a recent increase in occurrence reports and documented reproduction suggests the population may be increasing. There have been 21 reported nuisance complaints since 2006, of which 7 were apiary damage. Additionally, 31 bear mortalities were reported since 1972; 80% were human caused. Government and private organizations have emphasized education on bear ecology and human–bear coexistence, while habitat restoration through land retirement programs (e.g.,
    [Show full text]
  • Museum of Natural History
    p m r- r-' ME FYF-11 - - T r r.- 1. 4,6*. of the FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY THE COMPARATIVE ECOLOGY OF BOBCAT, BLACK BEAR, AND FLORIDA PANTHER IN SOUTH FLORIDA David Steffen Maehr Volume 40, No. 1, pf 1-176 1997 == 46 1ms 34 i " 4 '· 0?1~ I. Al' Ai: *'%, R' I.' I / Em/-.Ail-%- .1/9" . -_____- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GAINESVILLE Numbers of the BULLETIN OF THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY am published at irregular intervals Volumes contain about 300 pages and are not necessarily completed in any one calendar year. JOHN F. EISENBERG, EDITOR RICHARD FRANZ CO-EDIWR RHODA J. BRYANT, A£ANAGING EMOR Communications concerning purchase or exchange of the publications and all manuscripts should be addressed to: Managing Editor. Bulletin; Florida Museum of Natural Histoty, University of Florida P. O. Box 117800, Gainesville FL 32611-7800; US.A This journal is printed on recycled paper. ISSN: 0071-6154 CODEN: BF 5BAS Publication date: October 1, 1997 Price: $ 10.00 Frontispiece: Female Florida panther #32 treed by hounds in a laurel oak at the site of her first capture on the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in central Collier County, 3 February 1989. Photograph by David S. Maehr. THE COMPARATIVE ECOLOGY OF BOBCAT, BLACK BEAR, AND FLORIDA PANTHER IN SOUTH FLORIDA David Steffen Maehri ABSTRACT Comparisons of food habits, habitat use, and movements revealed a low probability for competitive interactions among bobcat (Lynx ndia). Florida panther (Puma concotor cooi 1 and black bear (Urns amencanus) in South Florida. All three species preferred upland forests but ©onsumed different foods and utilized the landscape in ways that resulted in ecological separation.
    [Show full text]
  • Human-Black Bear Conflict a Review of the Most Common Management Practices
    HUMAN-BLACK BEAR CONFLICT A REVIEW OF THE MOST COMMON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES A black bear in Lake Tahoe, NV. Photo courtesy Urbanbearfootage.com 1 A black bear patrols downtown Carson City, NV. Photo courtesy Heiko De Groot 2 Authors Carl W. Lackey (Nevada Department of Wildlife) Stewart W. Breck (USDA-WS-National Wildlife Research Center) Brian Wakeling (Nevada Department of Wildlife; Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies) Bryant White (Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies) 3 Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgements Introduction . The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and human-bear conflicts . “I Hold the Smoking Gun” by Chris Parmeter Status of the American Black Bear . Historic and Current distribution . Population estimates and human-bear conflict data Status of Human-Black Bear Conflict . Quantifying Conflict . Definition of Terms Associated with Human-Bear Management Methods to Address Human-Bear Conflicts . Public Education . Law and Ordinance Enforcement . Exclusionary Methods . Capture and Release . Aversive Conditioning . Repellents . Damage Compensation Programs . Supplemental & Diversionary Feeding . Depredation (Kill) Permits . Management Bears (Agency Kill) . Privatized Conflict Management Population Management . Regulated Hunting and Trapping . Control of Non-Hunting Mortality . Fertility Control . Habitat Management . No Intervention Agency Policy Literature Cited 4 Abstract Most human-black bear (Ursus americanus) conflict occurs when people make anthropogenic foods (that is, foods of human origin like trash, dog food, domestic poultry, or fruit trees) available to bears. Bears change their behavior to take advantage of these resources and in the process may damage property or cause public safety concerns. Managers are often forced to focus efforts on reactive non-lethal and lethal bear management techniques to solve immediate problems, which do little to address root causes of human-bear conflict.
    [Show full text]
  • Population Ecology of Black Bears in the Okefenokee-Osceola Ecosystem
    Final Report to Study Cooperators Population Ecology of Black Bears in the Okefenokee-Osceola Ecosystem Prepared by: Steven Dobey1, Darrin V. Masters2, Brian K. Scheick2, Joseph D. Clark3, Michael R. Pelton1, and Mel Sunquist2 September 30, 2002 1 Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee 2 Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida 3 USGS, Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory, University of Tennessee ii Population Ecology of Black Bears in the Okefenokee-Osceola Ecosystem Abstract: We studied black bears (Ursus americanus) on 2 study areas in the Okefenokee-Osceola ecosystem in north Florida and southeast Georgia from 1995–1999 to determine population characteristics (size, density, relative abundance, distribution, sex and age structure, mortality rates, natality, and recruitment) and habitat needs. We captured 205 different black bears (124M: 81F) 345 times from June 1995 to September 1998. Overall, adult bears on Osceola were 19% heavier than those on Okefenokee (t = 2.96, df = 148, P = 0.0036). We obtained 13,573 radiolocations from 87 (16M:71F) individual bears during the period of study. Seventeen mortalities of radiocollared bears were documented on Okefenokee, with hunting mortality accounting for 70.6% of these deaths. We documented only 2 (8%) mortalities of radiocollared females from Osceola; both were illegally killed. Annual survival rates for radiocollared females were lower on Okefenokee ( x = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80–0.93) than on Osceola ( x = 0.97, 95% CI = 2 0.92–1.00; 0.05 = 3.98, 1 df, P = 0.0460). Overall, 67 bears (51M:16F) were taken by hunters on the Okefenokee study area from 1995–1999.
    [Show full text]
  • Abundance and Density of Florida Black Bears in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Osceola National Forest
    University of Tennessee, Knoxville TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Masters Theses Graduate School 5-2002 Abundance and Density of Florida Black Bears in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Osceola National Forest Steven T. Dobey University of Tennessee, Knoxville Follow this and additional works at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes Part of the Animal Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Dobey, Steven T., "Abundance and Density of Florida Black Bears in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Osceola National Forest. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2002. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/4533 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorized administrator of TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a thesis written by Steven T. Dobey entitled "Abundance and Density of Florida Black Bears in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Osceola National Forest." I have examined the final electronic copy of this thesis for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the equirr ements for the degree of Master of Science, with a major in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Michael R. Pelton, Major Professor We have read this thesis and recommend its acceptance: Gary McCracken, Lisa Muller, Joseph Clark Accepted for the Council: Carolyn R. Hodges Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School (Original signatures are on file with official studentecor r ds.) To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a thesis written by Steven T.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation and Management of Black Bears in Mississippi
    Conservation and Management of Black Bears in Mississippi Prepared by: Brad W. Young Black Bear Biologist Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks August, 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..........................................................................................................................1 JUSTIFICATION ..........................................................................................................................................2 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................3 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ....................................................................................................................5 CONSERVATION STATUS ..........................................................................................................................7 State Status ..............................................................................................................................................7 Federal Status ..........................................................................................................................................7 BLACK BEAR ECOLOGY ..........................................................................................................................8 Physical Description ................................................................................................................................8
    [Show full text]
  • Louisiana Black Bear Critical Habitat
    LLoouuiissiiaannaa BBllaacckk BBeeaarr CCrriittiiccaall HHaabbiittaatt The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated critical habitat for the Louisiana black bear in Louisiana. On March 10, 2009, the Service designated 1,195,821 acres of critical habitat in Avoyelles, East Carroll, Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Madison, Pointe Coupee, Richland, St. Martin, St. Adult male Louisiana black bear St Mary Parish, Louisiana (USFWS) Mary, Tensas, West Carroll, and West Feliciana Parishes Louisiana. Description Designating critical habitat is a function of the Endangered The Louisiana black bear is a Species Act. subspecies of the American black bear, Critical habitat is a term used in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) found in Louisiana, south Mississippi that refers to specific geographic areas that are essential for the and east Texas. This bear is black in conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may color and typically weighs 150-300 lbs as an adult. require special management or protection. The Louisiana black bear was listed as a threatened species under the ESA in 1992. Habitat These bears typically require relatively Determining areas to designate as critical habitat. large areas of bottomland and other The Service considered the physical and biological habitat features that hardwood forested habitat to meet their are essential to the conservation of this species, including: survival needs, including hardwood • Space for individual and population growth and for normal mast trees, fruiting plants
    [Show full text]
  • Genetic Consequences of Habitat Fragmentation and Loss: the Case of the Florida Black Bear (Ursus Americanus floridanus)
    Conserv Genet (2007) 8:455–464 DOI 10.1007/s10592-006-9184-z ORIGINAL PAPER Genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation and loss: the case of the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) Jeremy D. Dixon Æ Madan K. Oli Æ Michael C. Wooten Æ Thomas H. Eason Æ J. Walter McCown Æ Mark W. Cunningham Received: 23 November 2005 / Accepted: 28 June 2006 / Published online: 28 September 2006 Ó Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2006 Abstract Habitat loss and fragmentation can influ- genetically distinct populations. There was no isola- ence the genetic structure of biological populations. tion-by-distance relationship among Florida black bear We studied the genetic consequences of habitat frag- populations, likely because of barriers to gene flow mentation in Florida black bear (Ursus americanus created by habitat fragmentation and other anthropo- floridanus) populations. Genetic samples were col- genic disturbances. These factors resulted in genetic lected from 339 bears, representing nine populations. differentiation among populations, even those that Bears were genotyped for 12 microsatellite loci to were geographically close. Population assignment tests estimate genetic variation and to characterize genetic indicated that most individuals were genetically as- structure. None of the nine study populations deviated signed to the population where they were sampled. from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic variation, Habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic barriers to quantified by mean expected heterozygosity (HE), movement appear to have limited the dispersal capa- ranged from 0.27 to 0.71 and was substantially lower in bilities of the Florida black bear, thereby reducing smaller and less connected populations. High levels of gene flow among populations.
    [Show full text]
  • The Florida Black Bear
    The Florida Black Bear Mike Orlando Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Introduction ▪ Florida Black Bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) ▪ The only species of bear in Florida. Photo by Charles Towne Black Bear Biology Males vs Females 250 – 450 lbs (760) 125 – 250 lbs (400) 60 miles2 15 miles2 More risk-taking More secretive/careful Male Female 350 lbs 150 lbs Weight ▪ Florida’s largest documented bear is 760 Lbs. Sex Identification ▪ big blocky head ▪ with cubs ▪ large size and mass ▪ slim fox like head and muzzle Size Identification Pat Delaney Dessert Ranch Smaller/slimmer head, ears appear large = smaller bear Newsweek Black Bear Senses ▪ Black bears have ok eyesight, not as good as humans. Recent research indicates bears have color vision. ▪ Bears have acute hearing and an excellent sense of smell. ▪ Bears have a strong “homing” instinct. Additional information can be found at www.MyFWC.com National Geographic Smell Requirements Habitat generalists Can live in close proximity to people Do bears den in Florida? ▪ 1-5 cubs ▪ Born Feb ▪ Emerge April ▪ Stay with female 1.5 years Young Bears ▪ April to August – males disperse, find own range ▪ Bottom of bear order…top of human order? ▪ Stay on the move for a few years Population Estimates Black Bear Distribution ▪ There are approximately 4,050 bears in the state, the majority of which are on public lands. Orlando Sentinel Bear Range and Population Estimates North 500 West Panhandle Central 120 East 1,200 Panhandle 1,060 Big Bend 30 45% of historic range occupied South (Abundant or Common) Central 100 Total Population = 4,050 bears South 1,040 Behavior ▪ Normally Crepuscular ▪ Nocturnal in neighborhoods ▪ Active 18 hours/day in Fall ▪ 5,000 to 20,000 calories/day Diet Plants, 80% Meat, Insects, 5% 15% Avoidance ▪ 90% of time ▪ Runs ▪ Hides ▪ Climbs Curiosity ▪ Ears/nose high ▪ Stands upright ▪ NOT Aggressive Curiosity Defensive/Warning Behavior ▪ Like a Rattlesnake ▪ Personal space ▪ We can de-escalate Hot aggression - Defensive Cold aggression - Predatory Defensive vs.
    [Show full text]
  • Mammalian Carnivores of Florida 1 Raoul Boughton, Bethany Wight, Elizabeth Pienaar, and Martin B
    WEC419 Mammalian Carnivores of Florida 1 Raoul Boughton, Bethany Wight, Elizabeth Pienaar, and Martin B. Main2 Florida’s diverse wildlife includes a group of mammals that Leopold demonstrated the important role of predator-prey are carnivorous (meat-eating). These mammalian relationships in the 1950s. Aldo Leopold documented predators belong to the animal order Carnivora, which are that while the removal of predators initially increased the characterized by having teeth adapted for tearing and deer population, the deer population ultimately collapsed. consuming flesh. However, it should not be thought that all Predation, and particularly predation by top-level carni- members of this animal order eat only meat; several, vores, is a critical ecosystem function. Numerous studies including Florida black bears and coyotes, are omnivorous have demonstrated that the loss of top-level predators can and will eat both animal and plant materials. This have negative effects on ecosystems, including declines in document provides an overview of Florida’s mammalian biodiversity. carnivores from large to small. Although other animals in Florida also consume meat (opossums, for instance, Predator-prey relationships are complex. The removal of members of Order Marsupia-lia, or pouched mammals), large predators has been shown in some cases to lead to this document focuses only on Florida mammals in Order an increase in deer and other herbivore populations that Carnivora. damage and eventually modify habitats. When gray wolves were nearly extirpated from Yellowstone National Park, Although ecologists and wildlife enthusiasts consider the elk population increased, but abundance of woody and the existence of Florida’s carnivores both important and herbaceous plants decreased, which in turn affected other fortunate in a world where many large carnivores are herbivores.
    [Show full text]
  • Human–Black Bear Conflicts
    HUMAN–BLACK BEAR CONFLICTS A REVIEW OF COMMON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Carl W. Lackey Stewart W. Breck Brian F. Wakeling Bryant White HUMAN-WILDLIFE INTERACTIONS MONOGRAPH NUMBER 2 Human-Wildlife Interactions: Monograph 2. A publication of the Jack H. Berryman Institute Press, Wildland Resources Department, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We are indebted to a large number of people and organizations for their support of this publication and their assistance in bringing it to fruition, including Richard Beausoleil (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife), Jeremy Hurst (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation), and Carole Stanko (New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife). We would also like to thank Reid DeWalt, Mark Vieira, Melanie Kaknes, Casey Westbrook (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), Heather Reich (Nevada Department of Wildlife), and Tom Decker (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) for reviewing this document. This document was requested, reviewed, and endorsed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA). Significant portions of this document were drawn with permission from the North East Black Bear Technical Committee’s 2012 document, An Evaluation of Black Bear Management Options (Hurst et al. 2012), which in turn drew upon several state and provincial black bear management plans across North America. We express our gratitude to all fellow bear managers in North America for their willingness to share this valuable information. Members of the AFWA ad hoc Human–Black Bear Conflicts Task Force include: Richard Beausoleil (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife), Stewart W. Breck (USDA-WS-National Wildlife Research Center), Michael Boudreau (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources), Maria Davidson (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries), Jeremy Hurst (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation), Carl W.
    [Show full text]