Population Dynamics and Movements of Problem Black Bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Stiver WH. 1991. Population Dynamics and Movements of Problem Black Bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. University of Tennessee
Capture, release, and recovery of relocated problem bears were plotted, to determine factors that were aiding in relocating the bears. From early July, 1967, to December, 1989, 341 bears were captured and relocated 570 times, Males were more numerous, nearly 62 percent. Most bears caused problems and were captured during the peak tourist season. Most relocated bears (over 55 percent) were never recovered. There is a need for a relocation strategy, based on sex, age, season, relocation distance, area, and previous experience. Some problem bears must be destroyed. The availability of human food and garbage contributes significantly to the problem.
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- Stiver, William
- Date of Issue
- 1991-08
- Publisher
- University of Tennessee
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Capture, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, nuisance (animals), SER, Southeast Region, Thesis