Population Characteristics of Black Bears in West Central Idaho

Abstract

Population characteristics of black bears (Ursus americanus) were studied in west central Idaho from 1973 through 1977. A total of 175 bears was captured 509 times. Estimated density of bears on the 130-km2 study area was approximately 1 bear/1.3 km2. Capture-recapture records revealed that 2.5-yearold males were captured in higher numbers (P 2 and <3); and adults (bears -3 years of age). The Jolly-Seber Method (Caughley 1977:148) and a modified Lincoln Index (Beecham 1980) were used to estimate population size. Chi-square tests were used for all statistical comparisons. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION During 1973-77, 175 black bears were captured 509 times (Table 1). Summer snaring accounted for 426 captures and 83 bears were captured at winter dens. One bear was captured 5 times during a single summer and 1 was caught 10 times during the study.