Response of black bears to gypsy moth infestation in Shenandoah National Park
Kasbohm JW. 1994. Response of black bears to gypsy moth infestation in Shenandoah National Park. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The effects of gypsy moth-induced defoliation on black bear populations and habitat use in Shenandoah National Park, VA were studied from 1985-1991. Comparisons with preinfestation year data (1982-1986) were made with radio telemetry, population and behavioral data. Habitat has undergone extreme changes during and after gypsy moth infestations. Data from the park's long term vegetation monitoring plots was used for habitat evaluation. Little detectable effect was found on bear's nutrition, physical condition, reproduction, or survival. Some differences in habitat use were detected, particularly increased fall movements, which may have led to an increased hunter harvest outside the park
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- Kasbohm, John
- Date of Issue
- 1994-03
- Publisher
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Units
- SHEN
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Defoliation, Dissertation, Ecology, Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar), Habitat Use, Impacts, Mammals, Population, Population Dynamics, Radio Telemetry