Demographic Characteristics and Habitat Associations of an Expanding Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) Population In Oklahoma

Abstract

Recent black bear expansion into Oklahoma from Arkansas has led to management questions involving the growing bear population. Demographic characteristics of the peripheral portion of the black bear population were analyzed using live-trapping. Distribution, population estimation, and habitat preferences of the population were determined using hair sampling and genetic analysis. Black bears in the peripheral part of Oklahoma were equally composed of males and females (0.95M:1F) and had a relatively young age structure. Brown coloration occurred more in black bears captured in Oklahoma compared with Arkansas. The population size was estimated at 451 bears: 174 � 46 (95% confidence interval: 108 - 294) females and 277 � 71 (95% confidence interval: 174 - 461) males. Black bears in Oklahoma were associated positively with forest, streams, and development. Black bears were associated negatively with roads, highways, and areas farther away from Arkansas.