SEASONAL AND DIEL PATTERNS OF GRIZZLY BEAR DIET AND ACTIVITY IN WEST-CENTRAL ALBERTA

• DOI: 10.1644/05-mamm-a-410r3.1
• Publication Date: 2007-01-02T20:27:31Z
• Authors: R. H M. Munro; S. E. Nielsen; M. H. Price; G. B. Stenhouse; M. S. Boyce
• Keywords: Crepuscular; Grizzly Bears; Frugivore; Digging; Diel vertical migration; Home range

Seasonal food habits and activity patterns were examined for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in west-central Alberta, Canada, to better understand habitat requirements a threatened population. Food based on an analysis of 665 feces collected from 18 between April October 2001–2003. Trends the use foods comparable those other central Rocky Mountain populations, with minor differences likely reflecting regional forage availability. Five activities (bedding, sweet vetch digging, insect feeding, frugivory, ungulate kills) identified each 1,032 field-visited global positioning system radiotelemetry locations 9 female bears. We predicted probability during relevant periods by time day (crepuscular, diurnal, nocturnal) habitat. Selection ratios used assess which selected. Activity changed considerably over 24-h period, foraging occurring mostly diurnal crepuscular bedding at night. Habitats important predictors activity. Forested areas selected areas, whereas insect-foraging, frugivory associated herbaceous, recently disturbed forest open-canopy forests. suggest that researchers consider behavior analyses selection improve explanations mechanisms selection.