Female Black Bear Habitat Use in West-Central Idaho

Abstract

We studied black bear (Ursus americanus) habitat use patterns in west-central Idaho during 1982-83. We radiomarked 10 adult female bears and located them 640 times during the study. Selection cut-shrubfield and shrubfield habitats were used for feeding. Uncut timbered sites were important bedding areas. Open timber and meadows were used in spring as foraging areas. Riparian and aspen (Populus tremuloides) habitats were used as feeding and bedding sites during summer and fall. Rock-talus and sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)-grass habitats were avoided. Selection cut-shrubfields were used as feeding areas. Female bears preferred to feed in areas where topographic features enhanced the growth of mesic vegetation.