Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A Geographic Analysis of Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) Habitat in the Marietta Unit of the Wayne National Forest

McChesney, Holly M.

Abstract Details

1998, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Natural Resources.
The number of black bear (Ursus americanus) sightings in the State of Ohio has risen dramatically since 1990 and is attributed to the transition of farm land to forest and the rise in bear populations in states surrounding Ohio. The majority of sightings have been reported in the eastern half of the State, where conflicts have arisen between bears and humans. A large quantity of forest land in eastern Ohio is owned by the U.S. Forest Service. The Wayne National Forest (WNF) consists of three units located in southeastern Ohio. The Marietta Unit is adjacent to the Ohio river, which defines the boundary between Ohio and West Virginia. One goal of this study was to locate areas within the Marietta Unit of the WNF that had the potential to support a healthy black bear population, with limited contact between bears and humans. An additional goal was to locate areas of very poor black bear habitat, where nuisance bears might be a problem due to lack of food and cover sources or close contact with human development. A black bear Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model was developed for southeastern Ohio based on several preexisting HSI models. The model examined the availability of food, cover, and freedom from human disturbance. The HSI model was implemented within a GIS framework using a variety of data sources. The results, based on the model, indicated that the study area was moderately suitable for black bear populations (HSI = 0.53). There was a large region in the northern portion which had above average HSI values. According to the model, the limiting factor for suitable black bear habitat in southeastern Ohio is the low availability of protective cover. Through implementation of the model, it was determined that several areas of high quality habitat were available in the region. Because of the high quality habitat available, the model suggested that this area could potentially support up to 17 black bears. This HSI model and GIS analysis were meant to serve as a preliminary examination of black bear habitat in Ohio. Additional research is needed to further refine the HSI model to more accurately portray the habitat requirements of black bears in this State. In addition, the acquisition of more detailed forest data will permit further refinement of the analysis.
Joan M. Nichols (Advisor)
John G. Lyon (Committee Member)
Louis R. Iverson (Committee Member)
97 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • McChesney, H. M. (1998). A Geographic Analysis of Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) Habitat in the Marietta Unit of the Wayne National Forest [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392910425

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • McChesney, Holly. A Geographic Analysis of Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) Habitat in the Marietta Unit of the Wayne National Forest. 1998. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392910425.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • McChesney, Holly. "A Geographic Analysis of Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) Habitat in the Marietta Unit of the Wayne National Forest." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 1998. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1392910425

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)