Denning by Black Bears in Northcentral Florida

Abstract

Denning characteristics of black bears (Ursus americanus) were observed in northcentral Florida from 1983 to 1988 for 17 individuals (nine males, eight females). Fourteen den sites were found—all were ground beds located in hardwood swamps or dense shrub thickets. Pregnant bears denned for periods similar to those reported for other areas of the southeastern United States. However, males and barren females denned for shorter periods than reported in other studies. We suspect that the availability of winter food in Florida has allowed bears to shorten the length of denning relative to that which occurs further north where winter food is unavailable. Pregnant bears, however, may be obligated by intrinsic factors to den for a minimum of 3–4 months.