Population characteristics and home range dynamics of the black bear in northern Coahuila, Mexico (Ursus americanus)

Population dynamics of black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Serranias del Burro, Coahuila, Mexico, were studied from 1991-1994. Forty-two individual bears (27M, 15F) were captured, and 28 were equipped with radio-collars. Data were collected by radio-tracking, observations, and den checks.; Inclusive (mean {dollar}pm{dollar} SE) home ranges of adult female and subadult male black bears were 19.6 {dollar}pm{dollar} 7.6 km{dollar}sp2{dollar} (n = 12) and 96.7 {dollar}pm{dollar} 22.9 (SE) km{dollar}sp2{dollar} (n = 12), respectively. Mean ({dollar}pm{dollar}SE) den entry and exit dates for pregnant females (n = 4) in 1992-1993 were 29 December {dollar}pm{dollar} 5.0 days and 23 April {dollar}pm{dollar} 1.6 days, respectively. Mean birthing date for 1993 litters (n = 4) was 3 February {dollar}pm{dollar} 5.0 days. Mean ({dollar}pm{dollar}SE) age of primiparity was 4.5 years {dollar}pm{dollar} 0.6 (n = 4). Average interbirth interval was 2.0 {dollar}pm{dollar} 0.0 years (n = 3). Average litter size was 2.8 cubs/female (n = 12). Female survival rate was 0.94, and subadult male survival rate was 1.0, and were obtained using radio-telemetry data. Annual cub survival rate was 0.80 based on observations of family groups.; Large, privately owned ranches in the Serranias del Burro have provided protection for the black bear from hunting and habitat destruction, and the population is likely a source of bears emigrating to west Texas. The Serranias del Burro is also a model of success and demonstrates potential for rancher coexistence with black bears for other areas of Mexico and Texas.