Habitat utilization and ecology of the black bear in northern California
Graduation Date
1975
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Wildlife Management, 1975
Committee Chair Name
David W. Kitchen
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Black bear, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Wildlife Management
Abstract
Historically northern California has contained large populations of black bear (Ursus americanus Pallas). The black bear is an important game species and has a high aesthetic value. In spite of this importance there is little information concerning bear habitat utilization and ecology in the western United States. Jonkel and Cowan (1971) reported differential trapping success in different vegetation types on their Big Creek Study Area in Montana. Habitat utilization and impact of black bear on timber production in western Washington were considered by Poelker and Hartwell (1973). Grinnell et al. (1937) described general food and habitat preference of black bear in California while McCullom (1973) studied habitat preference and apparent effects of clear-cut logging on black bear in Oregon. Current land-use decisions in northern California are being made without information about the importance of various habitat types to black bear. This study of habitat utilization and ecology of black bear in northern California was instituted to provide the information needed to make intelligent land-use decisions affecting black bear. It was part of a three year study of black bear populations conducted by the California Department of Fish and Game. The study objectives were: 1) To determine the sex and age structure, mean live weights, movements, home ranges and densities of the bear population under study; 2) To map and describe quantitatively the habitat types on the study area, and; 3) To determine percent utilization of these habitat types by black bear on a seasonal basis.
Recommended Citation
Kelleyhouse, David G., "Habitat utilization and ecology of the black bear in northern California" (1975). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1584.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1584
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/k930c0461