Non-Invasive Assessment of Black Bear Movements and Abundance Relative to U.S.98 Within the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area

Transportation related deaths (roadkill) are the primary mortality factor that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has documented for the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) statewide since 1976. During the period of December 2001 to March 2002 six black bears were killed on a section of U.S. 98 within the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area (Aucilla WMA) in southeastern Jefferson County, Florida. The objective of this study is to assess the movements (number and locations of black bear crossings) and abundance of black bears in the study area relative to U.S. 98 within the Aucilla WMA and adjacent lands in southeastern Jefferson County. The study is designed to: 1) Generate an estimate for the black bear population in the Aucilla area, 2) Assess the effect of roadkill on the local black bear population, and 3) Assess specific road crossing locations and rates correlated with various parameters. Population estimate calculations using program CAPTURE failed to provide a reliable estimator due to small generated sample size, low recapture rates, few new captures, and model closure violation. The approximate density (0.097) was based on the number of black bears identified through genetic analysis (n=48) (May 2003-May2004). These results indicate a moderately high rate of genetic drift during a period of relative genetic isolation. Habitat differences, intersecting roads, and seasons have an effect on black bear crossing rates, however; none of the tested variables had an effect on black bear roadkill. There is an increased occurrence of black bear crossings at intersecting roads and there is no correlation between black bear crossings and roadkill. There were 28 roadkill black bears recorded during September 1983 - December 2004, with the majority occurring in the Fall within the effective sampling area. Two roadkill occurred during the study period. Recommendations are provided to address elevated crossing and roadkill activity concurrently for all seasons. These include specific wildlife crossings, habitat manipulations, signage and visual stimuli, and road improvements for the study interval of U.S. 98 as well as considerations for other roads in the area including U.S. 19 and SR 59. These measures would facilitate the apparent black bear movement within the Aucilla area and toward coastal resources found in the St. Marks area and adjacent lands. Additionally, these conservation measures may significantly decrease bear mortality, increase driver safety, and benefit multiple species while ensuring connectivity to conservation lands for this expanding population of genetically distinct black bears. Additionally, recommendations are provided for current and projected road projects in collaboration with private and state agencies and organizations.

• Corporate Authors:

  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

  620 S Meridian Street
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32399

  Florida Department of Transportation

  605 Suwannee Street
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32399-0450
• Authors:
  • Simek, Stephanie L
  • Kubilis, Paul S
  • Jonker, Sandra A
  • Eason, Thomas H
• Publication Date: 2005-12-30

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 68p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Conservation; Environmental protection; Habitat (Ecology); Highway safety; Intersections; Population; Recommendations; Road kill; Wildlife; Wildlife crossings
• Uncontrolled Terms: Black bear crossings; Black bears; Noninvasive assessments
• Geographic Terms: Florida
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Energy; Environment; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I15: Environment; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01019638
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: BD-568
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 6 2006 2:10PM