Abstract 304 – Population Dynamics and Feeding Ecology of Recolonizing American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) in the Beaver Hills Biosphere

Sandra MacDougall, Ramona Maraj, Erin Henderson

The population of American black bears (Ursus americanus) in North America has been growing
and expanding in range, recolonizing previously extirpated ranges that have been altered by
human activity. Just east of Edmonton, black bear sightings in Elk Island National Park and the
Beaver Hills Biosphere region have increased steadily over the past five years. This population is
right at the edge of the species’ range expansion which has numerous implications for
municipal, provincial, and federal agencies. How wildlife coexistence programs are delivered
and what will potentially happen to ungulate populations that have existed without predation
by bears for over a century are critical considerations. The objectives of this five-year study are
to examine the feeding ecology and demographic characteristics of black bears within the
Beaver Hills region to understand the potential for population growth and dispersal at the edge
of a species’ range and use this information to predict the impact black bear predation may
have on ungulates inside and outside of core protected areas. To date, 10 black bears have
been radio-collared to assess their movement, habitat selection, and feeding ecology. We will
use a combination of approaches to determine regional bear diets; including DNA
metabarcoding of bear scats collected through systematic transect surveys, isotopic and fatty
acid analysis of bear tissues and movement data obtained from radio-collared bears. We will
present preliminary analysis of food habits based on scat metabarcoding and bear movements
during the 2023 active season.