Principal Investigator: Dr. Michael J. Conroy, Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

Graduate Ph.D. Research Assistant: Ms. Jamie Skvarla

The distribution of black bears (Ursus americanus) in the state of Georgia can be classified into three populations with an unknown amount of connectivity between the north, the south near the Okefenokee swamp, and the central portion of the state. The Ocmulgee River drain and its tributaries supports a unique population of black bears in central Georgia. This population is known to occupy large forested areas in portions of Bibb, Houston, Twiggs, Bleckley, and Pulaski Counties, an area of approximately 300" km2. Oaky Woods and Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's) are likely the "core" area of suitable habitat for black bears in central Georgia with densities decreasing significantly as distance from large unfragmented forested area increases. The population density and status of black bears is currently unknown for this area.

The objectives of our study are to estimate population parameters (abundance, survival, and reproduction) and construct models for predicting viability and to assess the impacts of alternative harvest and habitat management policies.

Abundance will be estimated using a variety of mark-recapture markers (physical captures, camera "trapping", and genetic markers). Bears are physically captured on or near the WMA's and uniquely marked, fitted with radio-transmitters, and released into the population for recapture. Barbed-wire enclosures, or hair snares, are systematically placed on the WMA's for collection of hair. Hair samples will be analyzed using DNA from 8 microsattelite markers to determine individual identification. Additionally, digital cameras are randomly placed in conjunction with hair snares to monitor captures from marked and unmarked bears. Survival and reproduction will be estimated using data from radiotelemetry, den visits, physiological measures, and other approaches.