Selection and Availability of Dens for Black Bears in Tennessee
Johnson KG and Pelton MR. 1981. Selection and Availability of Dens for Black Bears in Tennessee. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 45(1):111 - 119
Radiotelemetry data indicated that black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, prefer tree cavities above ground as winter dens. Adult females and subadults of both sexes selected tree dens more frequently (P < 0.078) than did adult males. Because parturition and lactation occur in winter dens, secluded and well-insulated tree cavities, which provide better protection than ground dens, appear to enhance survival and reproduction. A greater proportion (P < 0.010) of adult females and a higher bear density were found in the primary tree-denning area of the Park. Analysis of vegetation showed no absolute shortage of tree dens; however, their clumped distribution due to logging before the Park was established resulted in tree dens being less available in certain watersheds and especially at low elevations. Site and vegetation differences at dens enabled classification, through discriminant function analysis, of areas with the highest potential availability of dens. Tree dens may afford the extra protection necessary to maintain bear populations within marginal habitats of the southern Appalachian Mountains.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Johnson, Kenneth; Pelton, Michael
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Dens, Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC TN, GRSM-00025, GRSM-01717