Black bear monitoring program (Essay Sample)

Name Professor Unit Date Black bear monitoring program Background In the Eastern United States, the American black bear (Ursus americanus) stands as an endemic species among North America's trio of bear species and is distinguished as the smallest of its counterparts. Black bears greatly prefer wooded areas, particularly old-growth woods that provide an abundance of hardwood, such as acorns and nuts. The availability of nearby wetlands, meadows, and various feeding options affects the habitat choice for these animals. The research by Karelus et al. emphasizes the seasonal fluctuations in bear mobility, demonstrating a distinct inclination toward forested wetlands and marsh ecosystems, exhibiting a clear land cover preference (Incorporating movement patterns 84). According to Karelus et al., proximity to flowing streams, a towering canopy providing escape cover, dense hardwood thickets, and an abundance of potential food sources serve as reliable indicators of a black bear's extensive utilization within a specific habitat (Microhabitat features influencing habitat 2). American black bears exhibit omnivorous dietary habits, meticulously balancing their macronutrient requirements by partaking in a versatile array of sustenance, herbs, fruits, nuts, and various flora (Bowersock et al. 1). The first litter is typically born at four years of age in female American black bears (Gould et al. 1166). After having their first litter, black bear females typically breed every two years. American black bears have delayed implantation, A seasonal occurrence following mating during summer, wherein fertilized embryos (blastocysts) undergo a temporary developmental pause until implantation occurs in mid-to-late November (Mesa Cruz 2). Towns assert black bears are not commonly regarded as real hibernators (10). Towns claim that because of this tiny fluctuation in body temperature, black bears may quickly awaken from sleep when threatened and must leave or defend themselves (11). Additionally, black bears require their fat reserves to survive because they do not need to eat constantly to maintain body heat. Kilham and Spotila say black bears typically live alone (139). They are also recognized for being able to travel great distances, which may affect how they interact with people. Adult bears avoid confrontations wherever possible but will protect their territories against other bears they perceive as intruders (Kilham and Spotila 152). Black bears, except for a mother with cubs, are calm and generally avoid interacting with people. Being acquainted with bear behavioral cues and appropriate response measures is prudent, as aggressive and predatory bear conduct is exceedingly rare but within the realm of possibility. According to McLaren et al., Black bears exhibit opportunistic predation, displaying regional variations in hunting adult ungulates and their newborn offspring (722). Adult bears rarely have natural adversaries. According to Heneghan and Morse, human-related variables are typically the leading cause of mortality (2). The issue is exacerbated by increasing human populations, rural and urban development, and other causes that have altered American landscapes that are essential wildlife habitats. Current Management in Rhode Island The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's (RIDEM) current management approach in Rhode Island places a significant emphasis on proactive measures to reduce human-bear interactions and public education. These initiatives are meant to prevent bears from relying on human food sources and to keep them in their natural environment. Bears are known to travel great distances in search of food, and the high fat content in bird feeders makes them particularly alluring to bears. RIDEM advises residents to remove bird feeders in their yards by mid-April and only reinstall them in late October or November to deter bears from frequenting residential areas (RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife 8). Additionally, it is advised to secure garbage until trash pickup, avoid adding fruit or meat to compost piles, clean grills right away, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Residents are cautioned against feeding bears since doing so can enhance their dependence on people. Cleanliness and sensible food storage are crucial in campgrounds. It is advised that campers store their food in their vehicles or hang it from trees to keep bears away from their cooking areas and sleeping quarters. Before going to bed, it is advised to take off any scented clothing, and campers are urged to have bear-proof trash cans to stop bears from looking for food scraps (RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife 11). To prevent bear damage, beekeepers are encouraged to open the areas around their hives and consider installing a temporary or permanent fence. Livestock owners are cautioned against pasturing animals in locations with deep cover where bears may be present since bears occasionally attack animals for food. Keeping livestock confined in barns at night is advised. In order to keep bears away, it is also essential to properly dispose of corpses by burying or incinerating them. People are encouraged to maintain their composure and refrain from rushing in the event of a bear encounter because black bears frequently retreat when they see humans. If the bear does not flee or becomes aggressive, it is advised to carefully back away. Yelling or smashing pots and pans together will help frighten the bear away. Recommended Management Objectives * Maintaining a Sustainable Population The primary goal of management is to keep the black bear population at 50 mature bears in breeding condition, coupled with a growth rate of 5%. Although black bears are endearing and essential to the environment, their unregulated expansion could result in ecological imbalances and more human-bear confrontations. This calls for protecting a sufficient number of breeding adults to stop the overuse of the resources available. This goal is to ensure a viable and healthy bear population that benefits the ecosystem while reducing the dangers connected with overcrowding by maintaining a population of at least 50 breeding-age individuals. This management goal is essential for supporting ecosystem health, fostering coexistence with humans, and preserving the long-term persistence of black bears in Rhode Island. * Reduce human-bear conflicts Within five years, the second management goal is to minimize recorded human-bear confrontations by 20%. The imperative necessity to put human safety and bear conservation first is what motivates this objective. Property damage and risks to humans and bears can result from human-bear confrontations. Various tactic...