FINAL REPORT State: Georgia Project Number: W-37 Study Number: B-2 Proj ect Title: Section Title: Study Title: Period Covered: Abstract: Introduction: Statewide Wildlife Investigations Black Bear Preliminary Investigation of the Ocmulgee River Drainqse Black Bear Population."~ ~., . July 1, 1980 -- June 30, 1985 The objectives of this study were to gather baseline data concerning population density, sex and age structure, pro- ductivity, mortality, movements and denning ecology of black bears (Ursus americanus). The major emphasis was on density and sex and age structure. Black bears were trapped in culvert traps from 1980 to 1983. A total of 2,475 trap- nights resulted in 22 bears being captured a total of 38 times. Trap-retrap data were analyzed by producing density estimates of 1 bear per t3h.1reekm2(3)(1mbeethaords per 1.2 mi 2). Sex and age data indicated an average age for males and females of 4.8 and 6.1 years, respectively. Recording of litter observations produced an estimate of 2 cubs per litter. This compares favorably with other studies in the eastern United States. Tabulation and verification of reported mortalities produced an estimate of five (5) percent annual non-harvest mortality. Movement data from multiple recaptures indicated average distances of 3.25 km (2.03 mi) between captures and a range of 1.6-7.52 km (1.0- 4.7 mi). Radio telemetry was utilized to locate winter dens of three (3) females. All three (3) dens were on the ground and are described. limited hunting was recommended as a . result of data gathered in this project. Hunt description and harvest data are presented. Recommendations for future research are discussed. Black bears are classed as big game animals by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Georgia presently supports three (3) distinct black bear populations. The largest and most well known population exists in the mountains of north Georgia. Another well known population is centered around the Okefenokee Swamp in southea~tern Georgia. Methoas: This study deals with a third population situated around the Ocmu1gee River in central Georgia. Although this population has existed for a long time, it is relatively unknown to many residents of adjacent counties. Jenkins (1953) first reported the existance of this population and later Go11ey (1962) restated this information. Jenkins estimated the population at 40 animals. This is the only population data available concerning this particular population. This paucity of information precludes making scientific management decisions. Therefore, there was an existing need to accumulate baseline population data relative to the density, sex and age structure, productivity, mortality, den ecology and movement along the river. The accumulation of this preliminary data will provide some foundation on which to make management decisions, as well as, clarify the need for further research. =..*- Field studies were conducted on lands adjacent to the Ocmu1gee River in Houston and Twiggs Counties, Georgia. These lands are designated as the Oaky Woods and Ocmu1gee Wildlife Management Areas by the Georgia 2NR (Figure 1). The area encompasses approximately 205 km (79 mi 2) in the Upper Coastal Plain physiographic region. The field data collection for this study was accomplished from 1980 to 1983; however, some den location work continued in the winter of 1984. Trapping activities were conducted during a period from April to October each year. This period was selected on the basis of observed bear activity. Various trap types have been used to collect bear population data. One (1) of the more popular types is the culvert trap (Black, 1958; Carlock et a1. 1983; Erickson, 1957; Stickley, 1961 and Hamilton, 1978). Seven (7) culvert traps were mounted on boat trailers for added mobility. Cooked meat scraps were used as bait. Fresh bait was placed in the traps three (3) times per week. Trapping locations were changed approximately every two (2) weeks. Captured bears were immobilized with Serny1an (Phencyclidine hydrochloride) administered in dosages identical to that used by Carlock (1980) in north Georgia (0.7 mg/1b). Once immobilized, physical measurements were made and premolars pulled for aging. Aging was accomplished by cementum annuli techniques as described by Willey (1974). The sex of each animal was recorded for future analysis. For identification on subsequent re-captures, plastic polar bear type tags (Carl Jackson, RFD 2 Box 269, Colebrook, NH 03576) were placed in each ear. Each tag was stamped with identifying numbers. These same numbers were tatooed on the upper lip in the event both ear tags were lost. -2- Fig. 1. Black bear Study area along the Ocmulgee River in Central Georgia. Results: Records were maintained of all sightings of sows with cubs. These, in conjunction with cub counts in dens, were utilized to estimate productivity. This technique has been used in past studies by Erickson and Nellor (1964) and Stickley (1961) in Michigan and Virginia, respectively. Similar data relative to mortality incidences were also recorded. Females were equipped with radio transmitter collars for the purpose of locating winter dens. Due to the low capture of females, a one (I) year extension was granted for den ecology work. The location of dens would not have been possible without the transmitter collars. Other job respon- sibilities prohibited a detailed radio tetemetry study of bear movements. Some movement data was recorded in trap- retrap efforts. Tr~p-retrap data was als~~used to estimate densities. .~ Trapping: From September 1980 to October 1983 a total of 2,475 trap nights were expended. Twenty-two (22) bears (17 males, 5 females) were captured a total of 38 times in trailer-mounted, culvert traps. Erickson (1957) found that .culvert traps were selective for males. This was primarily due to the larger home ranges exhibited by males enabling them to come into contact with traps more often. Hamilton (1978) captured more males during the summer and attributed this to the extensive movement of males during the breeding season. Data recorded during this study showed approximately 55 percent of all captures occurred in the months of July and August (Figure 2). Trapping success for the entire study period was calculated at one (1) capture per 65.1 trap-nights (Table 1). Hamilton (1978) experienced 50 trapnights per capture in the coastal plain of North Carolina. Studies from New York (Miller et al. 1973) and Michigan (Erickson,1957) averaged 40 and 41.2 trap-nights per capture, respectively. Analysis of trapping success, on a quarterly .basis, shows that during the July--August--September trapping periods, an average of 47.4 trap-nights were needed per capture (Table 1). This compares very favorably with other studies. Table 1. Trapping Success By Quarterly Trapping Periods. Period TrapNights Captures Trapping1 Success April-May-June 866 7 July-August-September 1328 28 October-Nov ember-December 281 3 123.7 47.4 93.7 Totals: 2475 38 65.1 1. Trapping success measured in trap-nights per capture .. -4- 15. 10. (fJ ...aUJ: :::J a. o