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Open-File Report 2009-1169

Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service

Black and Brown Bear Activity at Selected Coastal Sites in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska: A Preliminary Assessment Using Noninvasive Procedures

By Steve Partridge and Tom Smith, U.S. Geological Survey, and Tania Lewis, National Park Service

ABSTRACT

A number of efforts in recent years have sought to predict bear activity in various habitats to minimize human disturbance and bear/human conflicts. Alaskan coastal areas provide important foraging areas for bears (Ursus americanus and U. arctos), particularly following den emergence when there may be no snow-free foraging alternatives. Additionally, coastal areas provide important food items for bears throughout the year. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (GLBA) in southeastern Alaska has extensive coastal habitats, and the National Park Service (NPS) has been long interested in learning more about the use of these coastal habitats by bears because these same habitats receive extensive human use by park visitors, especially kayaking recreationists. This study provides insight regarding the nature and intensity of bear activity at selected coastal sites within GLBA. We achieved a clearer understanding of bear/habitat relationships within GLBA by analyzing bear activity data collected with remote cameras, bear sign mapping, scat collections, and genetic analysis of bear hair.

Although we could not quantify actual levels of bear activity at study sites, agreement among measures of activity (for example, sign counts, DNA analysis, and video record) lends support to our qualitative site assessments. This work suggests that habitat evaluation, bear sign mapping, and periodic scat counts can provide a useful index of bear activity for sites of interest.

For additional information contact:

Director, Alaska Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey,
4210 University Drive
Anchorage, AK, 99508
http://alaska.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Partridge, Steve, Smith, Tom, and Lewis, Tania, 2009, Black and brown bear activity at selected coastal sites in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska: A preliminary assessment using noninvasive procedures: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2009-1169, 62 p.



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusions

Acknowledgments

References Cited

Appendix 1. GLBA Bear Habitat Classification

Appendix 2. Data Sheets

Appendix 3. Phenological Classifications and Definitions


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