Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) responses to forest harvesting: A review of underlying mechanisms and management recommendations
2021
Colton, Christopher P. | Coops, Nicholas C. | Burton, A Cole
Active forest management for timber production, through the harvesting of forest stands using cut blocks, frequently overlaps grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) habitat on multi-use landscapes in North America, making it critical to understand how forest harvest management can effectively support grizzly bear conservation efforts. While many localised studies have investigated the relationships between forest harvest and grizzly bear habitat use, a synthesis of our current understanding of these complex interactions is warranted. We reviewed publications that empirically assessed grizzly bear use of recently harvested forest stands (<40 years since harvest). We found that all studies reported grizzly bear use of forest cut blocks, with several reporting grizzly bear selection of forest cut blocks, however with substantial variation in selection across seasons and local environment (ecoregions). We distill seven underlying factors that influence grizzly bear responses to forest harvest: natural forest openings, cut block design, silvicultural techniques, age since harvest, grizzly bear food availability, human activity, and grizzly bear sex and age. Our synthesis suggests that grizzly bears may frequently use forestry cut blocks when vegetative forage is present, especially if human activity is minimal and natural forest openings are limited. We highlight current knowledge gaps, summarize recommended management actions, and suggest future research directions for balancing forest harvest activities and grizzly bear conservation.
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