Man Biggest Danger To Bears, Study Says

Grizzly bears, weighing up to 600 pounds and capable of reaching 30 mph in a sprint, have few natural enemies - except man.

In the 12 years since the Idaho Fish and Game Department began studying grizzlies in the Selkirk Mountains, 13 deaths have been documented. Seven were definitely human-caused and three are suspected. Biologists say up to 75 percent of all grizzly bear mortality in the ecosystem is caused by humans.

That’s one of the conclusions of studies that started in 1983 with the sponsorship of a graduate program through the University of Idaho. Since the first bear was captured and radio-marked in 1983, 34 have been trapped and equipped with radio transmitters in North Idaho, Eastern Washington and southern British Columbia.

Fish and Game biologist Wayne Wakkinen said the Selkirk grizzly population has the potential to expand. Bears average 2.2 cubs per litter with three common.

“If not for the human-caused mortality, the population would be moving toward recovery,” Wakkinen said.

Research now is geared toward analyzing home ranges for grizzlies in relation to roads. Road management guidelines will be developed based on the analysis.

Wakkinen said the key to saving grizzlies lies in education and informing the public. “Most people don’t want to see them disappear. It’s often a combination of a lack of awareness, lack of understanding and misinformation that leads to the senseless grizzly bear deaths.