Evaluation of 2 soft-release techniques to reintroduce black bears

摘要: Black bears (Ursus americanus) were extirpated from most of their range by the early 1900s habitat destruction and unregulated hunting. Since then, bear has recovered in many areas, but isolation may prevent natural recolonization. translocations often have limited success because high mortality rates low site fidelity. We tested 2 reintroduction techniques designed to overcome those problems. The first technique used a winter release whereby pre- or post-parturient female removed dens placed new at area. second involved translocating area during summer holding them pens for 2-week acclimation period before release. translo- cated 8 with cubs winter-release 6 summer-release technique. After release, total distance moved, net mean daily circuity winter-released (x=18.3 km, 7.1 1.4 0.36, respectively) less than summer-released (x=97.6 63.4 5.1 0.74; P=0.010, 0.040, 0.019, 0.038, respectively). Also, survival (0.88) was greater that (0.20, P= 0.001). Population modeling indicated least one additional stocking adult females 12 would greatly increase chances population reestablishment. distinct advantages over technique, lim- iting post-release movements increasing translocated bears.