Bear feeding activity at alpine insect aggregation sites in the Yellowstone ecosystem
Canadian Journal of Zoology
By: David J. Mattson, Colin M. Gillin, Scott A. Benson, and Richard R. Knight
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Abstract
Bears (Ursidae) were observed from fixed-wing aircraft on or near alpine talus in the Shoshone National Forest between 15 June and 15 September in 1981–1989. Bears fed on insect aggregations at 6 known and 12 suspected alpine talus sites, disproportionately more at elevations > 3350 m, on slopes > 30°, and on south- and west-facing aspects. While at these sites, bears almost exclusively ate invertebrates, typically army cutworm moths (Euxoa auxiliaris). Subadult grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) appeared to be underrepresented at the sites, and proportionate representation of adult females with young appeared to decrease between 15 June and 15 September. Overall, observations of bears at these sites increased between 1981 and 1989. We suggest that alpine insect aggregations are an important food source for bears in the Shoshone National Forest, especially in the absence of high-quality foraging alternatives in July and August of most years.
Suggested Citation
Mattson, D.J., Gillin, C.M., Benson, S.A., Knight, R.R., 1991, Bear feeding activity at alpine insect aggregation sites in the Yellowstone ecosystem: Canadian Journal of Zoology, v. 69, no. 9, p. 2430-2435, https://doi.org/10.1139/z91-341.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Bear feeding activity at alpine insect aggregation sites in the Yellowstone ecosystem |
| Series title | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
| DOI | 10.1139/z91-341 |
| Volume | 69 |
| Issue | 9 |
| Year Published | 1991 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | National Research Council |
| Publisher location | Ottawa |
| Description | 6 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
| First page | 2430 |
| Last page | 2435 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho;Montana;Wyoming |
| Other Geospatial | Yellowstone National Park |