Biological consequences of relocating grizzly bears in the Yellowstone ecosystem

Bonnie M. Blanchard; Richard R. Knight

doi:10.2307/3802463

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Biological consequences of relocating grizzly bears in the Yellowstone ecosystem

Bonnie M. Blanchard·Richard R. Knight

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Abstract

Relocating grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos ) from human/bear conflict situations has been a standard management procedure. Using data from Yellowstone National Park, we present components of situations that may affect the outcome of a relocation. Survival rates of transported bears were lower ( l x = 0.83) ( P = 0.001) than those not transported ( l x = 0.89). Survival was largely affected by whether the bear returned to the capture site ( P = 0.029). Return rate was most affected by distance transported ( P = 0.012) and age-sex group ( P = 0.014). Return rates decreased at distances -75 km, and subadult females returned least ( P = 0.050) often. Because of low survival and high return rates, transporting grizzly bears should be considered a final action to eliminate a conflict situation. However, transporting females must be considered a viable management technique because transports of some individuals have resulted in contributions to the population through successful reproduction.

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Journal of Wildlife Management Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 43.06086137134326° to 45.57560020947799° latitude; -111.87377929687499° to -109.1162109375° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Bonnie M. Blanchard, Richard R. Knight. 1995. Biological consequences of relocating grizzly bears in the Yellowstone ecosystem. https://doi.org/10.2307/3802463

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