Distribution, abundance, and management implications of the grizzly bear and mountain caribou: in the Mountain Creek watershed of Glacier National Park, British Columbia
Abstract
This study was initiated to provide Glacier National Park planners-managers with information on the distribution and abundance of grizzly bears and mountain caribou in the remote and little-visited Mountain Creek watershed. Observations and food habits studies suggested that grizzlies were distributed on avalanche slopes and in other forest openings in spring and early summer, and in berry producing habitat and alpine areas in late summer and autumn. A density of one grizzly to 13 miles was estimated for the Mountain Creek watershed. This figure was comparable to a density of one grizzly to 12 miles which has been determined for other watersheds of Glacier Park. Observations suggested that mountain caribou followed an annual "double migration," similar to that reported in Wells Gray Park. Caribou were observed at and above timberline in summer and winter, and in low elevation forest in autumn and spring. An estimated 25 mountain caribou inhabited the northwestern regions of Glacier Park. Their ranges included both provincial and national park adjacent lands. The observational data are interpreted in the light of comparable ecological and behavioural information available on these two species; and management directions are explored. Recommendations include the following: 1. Because the grizzly and caribou are wide-ranging, "wilderness-demanding" species (i.e., sensitive to human activities), provisions for their survival in Glacier Park will simultaneously accrue benefits to many other less-demanding members of the mountain ecosystem. The accordant use of the grizzly and caribou as ''wilderness indicator species" is a recommended management technique. 2. The boundaries of Glacier Park fail to include the total range requirements of the grizzly bear and mountain caribou. A protective corridor must be established adjacent to the park in order to provide for the perpetual maintenance of self-sustaining populations of grizzlies and caribou. In this protective unit, land-use policies can be implemented to control overkill, habitat alteration, and other disturbance. 3. In Glacier Park, certain critical ranges of grizzly bears and mountain caribou qualify as national park special ecological reserves. 4. The specific sensitivities of grizzlies and caribou to human visitation remain to be determined. Carrying capacities for visitors in wilderness areas should be calculated. 5. The grizzly bear requires additional management considerations because of potential conflicts with humans. Some areas in the Mountain Creek watershed were identified where visitors have a greater chance of meeting grizzlies. Also implicit in management is the elimination of artificial food sources both in and near the park.
Description
Bibliography: p. 147-154.
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Citation
Hamer, D. J. (1975). Distribution, abundance, and management implications of the grizzly bear and mountain caribou: in the Mountain Creek watershed of Glacier National Park, British Columbia (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/15598