Multi-scale approach to brown bear (Ursus arctos) foraging on trees: Characteristics of damage to trees and stands in the north-eastern Carpathians

Abstract

Bark stripping behaviour of bears, which may significantly reduce the value of timber, has been reported mostly from North America and Japan, but in recent decades also from Europe. We surveyed forest plots in the Bieszczady Mountains of southeast Poland and recorded bark stripping by brown bears. We distinguished two types of tree damage by brown bears-damage to single (since no other damaged trees were found in their vicinity) and groups of trees (when five or more damaged trees were found in a small area). We found that all wound parameters, but especially the wound area and the proportion of the trunk with missing bark, were greater on single damaged trees. Comparison of damaged and control tree plots (1000m2) revealed that bears foraged in stands where silver firs (Abies alba Mill.) with larger circumferences were present. Moreover, in stands where damage occurred, bears tended to strip large trees. The preference ratio index clearly showed that bears mostly preferred to forage on firs with circumferences in the 120-180 cm range, even though a wide spectrum of tree circumferences were available. Our results suggest that the brown bear should not be viewed as a pest species in commercial tree stands in Poland. The trees preferred by bears for foraging are large enough for timber production. To minimize economical losses, forestry personnel should regularly monitor tree stands that consist of trees of dimensions preferred by bears.