Grizzly bears and forestry: II: Grizzly bear habitat selection and conflicts with road placement

摘要: Timber harvesting and oil gas extraction create ecological change beyond just the footprint of resource extraction. These activities also a permanent network roads that can have lasting effects on forest ecology. Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) suffer higher mortality when in close proximity to roads, yet foothills west-central Alberta, continue use these high-risk areas. We examined hypothesis were not necessarily attracted logging but placed habitats preferred. Using selection function, we patterns road placement identified areas had characteristics similar roaded (henceforth road-like habitats). then quantified grizzly bear response habitats. Of 30 sampled, found 17 selected closer than random 11 Road-like by subadults some adult females good predictor male habitat selection. Seasonally, spring early summer more late fall, indicating may be disturbed undisturbed fall. conclude low-elevation valleys alone does account for strong preference. Although likely plays role, other factors such as clearcut association with compound attractiveness bears. The tradeoff between risk high-quality forage near must addressed prevent from acting attractive sinks.