Detailed Implementation Plan: Determine Population Dynamics of Archipelagic Black Bear Population Needed for Harvest Management (PMIS 122413)

Belant, Jerry; Van Stappen, Julie; Krumenaker, Robert

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is directed through its enabling legislation to allow hunting while, at the same time, maintaining ecologically sustainable native wildlife populations. There are known reproducing populations of black bears on Stockton, Sand and Oak Islands. In 2002, a study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using DNA as a useful tool in monitoring black bear populations within the park. Additional sampling was done in 2003 and 2004 on various islands that had bear sign. Results of this study provided an accurate population estimate for Stockton and Sand Islands as well as data on genetic variability and dispersion. Results of this project also confirmed that using DNA analysis of hair can reveal a great deal of information important for understanding populations and critical to management, including whether or not changes in human-bear incidences may be related to changes in populations levels. Methods used are feasible and require less time and expertise than standard methods of capture and radio telemetry. We propose to sample intensively enough to obtain a population estimate for islands with black bear populations (currently Stockton, Sand, and Oak). This would be the first time that population estimates would be available for Oak and Basswood Islands. Snares would also be set to obtain hair samples on islands that have bear sign, but most likely have only lone bears. The objectives of this study are to 1) determine the number of black bears on Stockton, Sand and Oak Islands; 2) determine population trends and dynamics on Stockton and Sand Islands; 3) determine whether or not black bear populations are genetically distinct across islands and, if so, the number and size of genetically-distinct subpopulations, and; 4) evaluate harvest regulations.