Habitat associations in a recolonizing, low‐density black bear population

摘要: American black bears are closely associated with forest habitat. They were nearly extirpated from the Central Interior Highlands, United States, in early twentieth century, but have recolonized this part of range since 1960s. Due to lower population densities (as a result recent recolonization), we hypothesized that region would show strong associations habitat at both home and landscape scale. To test this, analyzed hair snare GPS telemetry data five sampling grids combined spatial capture–recapture resource selection function model investigate individual space use within ranges scale variation density southern Missouri Highlands. We performed linear discriminant analysis identify correlates bear density. found level, selected for more forested steeper slopes. Black varied among 0.842 10.248 individuals/100 km2 which is low end spectrum reported densities. There no clear among-grid density, three higher-density grids, declined increasing cover distance human settlements. This suggests populations benefited heterogeneous rural settlements may represent food resources. Exploiting these anthropogenic resources could be facilitated by fact our study not hunted viewed as novelty rather than nuisance, lead perceived risk sources. Our results highlight need interpret only local scales also context.