Influence of Livestock on Grizzly Bear Habitat Selection

Abstract

When encounters between carnivores, livestock and humans result in conflict or livestock depredation, the safety of both wildlife and humans are at risk. Reducing livestock depredation by grizzly bears (Ursos arctos) is crucial to the continued recovery of the species. We used 5 years of grizzly bear location data in the Mission Valley, Montana, to analyze habitat selection. Bear use indicated preference to areas in closer proximity to streams and wetlands than to livestock sites. Bears also showed a positive association with the density of homes. Our results showed that livestock were not being selected as a resource by grizzly bears, but also highlighted the importance of protecting livestock near riparian habitats to prevent depredation. These mapping methods can be used to identify how and where electric fencing, bear resistant garbage bins and other conflict mitigation efforts should be focused.