Reported mating of Hokkaido brown bear in autumn

摘要: Abstract We describe an incident we investigated in which a photographer on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan observed pair of adult brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) mating 11 October 2009. After interview and examination photographs, conclude that did occur reported date. Copulation evidently lasted about 30 minutes without overt struggle either before or after event. Several days prior to date, female, presume be one involved, was seen with swollen colored genitalia, suggesting she estrus. Only single witnessed neither this Throughout its range, bear is rarely autumn, probably first record Hokkaido.