Black Bear, Ursus americanus, hair and apple trees, Malus pumila, in Northeast North America

Abstract

Molecular genetic techniques make it possible to use extremely small DNA samples for genetic analysis of Black Bears (Ursus americanus). Non-invasive sources of DNA include feces and hair. Compared to feces, hair has the advantage of being a stable source of DNA and may be taken from living or dead bears. A number of researchers have collected hair in "hair traps", where bears are induced to reach across barbed wire to get at a bait. However, we have discovered that in the Northeast bears climb wild Crab Apple trees (Malus pumila) in the fall for fruit and leave hairs on bark and broken twigs in the process. In this part of the United States and Canada, feral Apple trees appear to be a productive source of bear hair that has application for genetic studies.