A CASE OF AUTUMN MATING IN THE APENNINE BROWN BEAR (URSUS ARCTOS MARSICANUS)

摘要: Although the breeding season of brown bears generally occurs during early spring or summer, a few incidents autumn mating have been recently documented in British Columbia and Japan. Considering rarity, yet relevance, these events, we report case courtship Apennine bear observed as late 3 November 2010 Abruzzo Lazio Molise National Park, central Italy. Mating was preceded followed by muzzle sniffing play fighting, involved an adult fe- male associated with cub. During 20-min observation, female did not display cub defence behaviour, nor acted aggressively toward We briefly discuss this observation on theoretical grounds, including potential meaning for small population.