Curiosity in the american black bear
Publication Type: |
Conference Proceedings |
Year of Publication: |
1977 |
Authors: |
Ellis S. Bacon |
Publication/Journal: |
the Fourth International Conference on Bear Research and Management |
Publisher: |
International Association for Bear Research and Management |
Keywords: |
american black bear, conference, curiosity, novel objects, ursus americanus |
Abstract:
American black bears (Ursus americanus) were tested to quantify their response to novel objects placed in their environment.
The results indicate that the level of orientation may be greater in the black bear than in other North American carnivores. The exploration of objects by the black bear is characterized by a high degree of contact with the objects. This contact consists primarily of manipulating the objects with the forepaws and chewing the objects. The intense curiosity of the black bear should be recognized and considered in the management of this species and in the evaluation of bear/human conflicts.