| Abstract: | Previous reports described an increase in population density following the removal of 23 adult male black bears (Ursus americanus) from a 218-km2 study area near Cold Lake, Alberta (the CLSA). This finding plays a central role in continuing debates over population regulation in bears, but has recently been criticized because density estimates were based on assumptions that were not met. Moreover, subsequent discussion has been predicated on conjecture that human exploitation had minimal influence on population dynamics. Our reanalysis supports previous descriptions of trends in bear density at Cold Lake. However, survival records revealed heavier exploitation than previously suspected. An underlying assumption of previous interpretationsCthat the Cold Lake bear population was naturally regulated near carrying capacityCno longer seems reasonable. Adult males deterred bears in other sex-age groups from using the CLSA; however, we found no evidence that birth or death rates were affected. The observed increase in local density should not be construed as a density-dependent response. Abrupt changes in local density might not have occurred if males had been removed from a larger area encompassing the CLSA |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 1001868 |
| Citation Author: | Sargeant, G. A.; Ruff, R. L. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |
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| Citation End Page: | 68 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Ursus |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 9 |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | p. 59-68 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Demographic response of black bears at Cold Lake, Alberta, to the removal of adult males; 2001; Article; Journal; Ursus; Sargeant, G. A.; Ruff, R. L. |
| Citation Start Page: | 59 |
| Citation Volume: | 12 |
| Citation Year: | 2001 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Demographic response of black bears at Cold Lake, Alberta, to the removal of adult males; 2001; Article; Journal; Ursus; Sargeant, G. A.; Ruff, R. L. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DOCUMENT): | http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/mammals/coldlake/index.htm |
| Date Other: | Mon, 1 Jan 2001 00:00 -0600 |
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