Denning Behavior Of Black Bears In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Denning behavior of black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was studied using motion sensitive radio-collars. All radioinstrumented bears (n = 29) entered dens and exhibited periods of decreased activity in the predenning and postdenning periods (n = 20). Denning behavior was characterized by a reduction in sensitivity, with females being more lethargic than males. Female bears departed fall ranges earlier (P