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EARLY EXPERIENCES WITH THE FIRST RADIO-MARKED BROWN BEARS IN SWEDEN
Anders Bjärvall, Finn Sandegren


Abstract: 
In 1984-85, 4 brown bears (Ursus arctos) were radio-tracked in the alpine and northern boreal zones in northern Sweden, and 3 bears were radio-tracked in the northern middle boreal zones in central Sweden to obtain information on movements, home ranges, food habits, and activity patterns. With 1 exception, ear-attached transmitters were used. They functioned well on 1 bear for 2 seasons but not as well on 6 other bears. In 4 cases, the signal gradually weakened until bears could not be relocated. Preliminary results indicate home range sizes varied from about 50 km² (yearling bear) to 500 km² (adult male). In the northern area, activity seemed closely related to daylight. Activity pattern were diurnal in summer, with 24 hours of daylight, and in autumn.

1987, Int. Conf. Bear Res. And Management 7:9-12

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