Evaluating Condition of Alaskan Black Bears with Blood Profiles
Franzmann AW and Schwartz CC. 1988. Evaluating Condition of Alaskan Black Bears with Blood Profiles. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 52(1):63-70
Blood samples were collected from 220 adult and 78 subadult black bears (Ursus americanus) from fall 1977 through summer 1985 on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. The samples were analyzed for 24 biochemical and hematological parameters. Discriminant analysis was used to select useful blood parameters for assessing the condition of black bears based upon the dynamic spring to fall physical condition change. Parameters found to be most useful for females were hemoglobin (Hb), alpha a globulin (A1G), and calcium (CA). The parameters most useful for males were globulin (G), packed cell volume (PCV), albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), sodium (Na) calcium/phosphorus ratio (Ca/P), and Hb. We recommend using Hb and PCV to determine the condition of black bears in the field. Blood profile changes in denning bears were detected for nearly all parameters. The urea/creatinine (U/C) mean was 8.9 for denning bears (n = 48).
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Franzmann, Albert; Schwartz, Charles
- Units
- CAKN , DENA , WRST , YUCH
- Keywords
- Bears, Body Condition, Carnivores, Mammals, Physiology, Ursus americanus