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Abstract |
Between 1968 and 1984, 247 nuisance Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos ) in the Yellowstone region translocated 375 times. The number of translocations was highest in 1968 (55) but along with control kills, remained high throughout 1972 following initiation of a new bear management plant in 1970. Only 30% (N = 3) of adult females translocated initially without young were with cubs the following year, indicating a negative influence on productivity. Translocations of adult females with young were more successful (P = 0.07) in preventing further nuisances (62%, N = 13) than for adult females without young (36%, N = 12). Fifty-seven percent (N = 88) of all individuals moved did not cause another nuisance, and 41% (N = 35) did not return to their original capture site. Only 23% (N = 8) of translocations over 75 km resulted in the bear's return. Translocations are only partially successful for the Greater Yellowstone Area, so managers should consider other alternatives singly and in combination with translocations to better control nuisance bears. |
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