Detailed project information for Study Plan Number 03056 |
Branch : | Southern Appalachian Field Branch |
Study Plan Number : | 03056 |
Study Title : | Determining population abundance and genetic structure of black bears in coastal South Carolina |
Starting Date : | 05/01/2008 |
Completion Date : | 04/30/2010 |
Principal Investigator(s) : | Van manen, Frank |
Primary PI : | Van manen, Frank |
Telephone Number : | (865) 974-0200 |
Email Address : | frank_van_manen@usgs.gov |
SIS Number : | |
Primary Program Element : | |
Second Program Element : | |
Status : | Active |
Abstract : | BACKGROUND
There are two disjunct populations of American black bears (Ursus americanus) in South Carolina: one is located in the mountain region along the South Carolina-North Carolina border and the other is in the upper coastal plain region. Approximately 300,000 acres of occupied bear habitat exist in Horry, Georgetown, and Marion Counties (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, unpublished data). The number of sightings, highway kills, and nuisance complaints are currently used as an index of population change. Bear mortalities due to collisions with vehicles have increased in recent years as have incidents of bear nuisance activity and the number of sightings. Those anecdotal observations suggest that this population may be increasing. However, the size of this bear population has not been determined through scientific study. This proposed study is designed to determine population abundance and genetic structure of this population. OBJECTIVES(1) determine population abundance of black bears in coastal South Carolina, (2) examine whether the coastal black bear population in South Carolina is dependent on ingress of bears from North Carolina, (3) identify potential travel corridors for black bears within the coastal bear range, and (4) provide recommendations for a public information program regarding black bears and bear management in coastal South Carolina. HYPHOTHESIS TO BE TESTEDNot applicable. |
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