Factors affecting age at primiparity in black bears

Abstract Effective wildlife management requires an understanding of the factors affecting population vital rates. Age at primiparity can be important determinant growth Thus, influencing age in wild populations is for their and conservation. American black bears ( Ursus americanus ) are widely distributed North America show considerable variation across range. We tested hypotheses regarding top‐down bottom‐up drivers province Ontario, Canada. obtained estimates using cementum patterns 1,033 bear teeth collected as part regulated harvest 2018 2019. compared mean ages between 2 distinct forest regions Ontario a Wilcoxon test. To quantify effects multiple putative (e.g., density, food availability, land use, climate), we paired yearly probability data with environmental covariates mixed logistic regression model. was significantly lower more productive region, likely reflecting broad‐scale availability. Further, there significant positive effect growing degree days (annual sum daily degrees >5°C) on primiparity, related to its influence ecosystem productivity. Harvest density negatively possibly because positively correlated this broad scale, competition resources increases density. Overall, temporal availability had model fit which highest confidence from cementum. Mean older (5.57 yr) than other southernly populations, most harvested (53%) were prior reproducing. Our analysis suggests that primarily driven by forces climate vegetation differences lead greater south. The relatively old high apparent mortality rate young animals limit recruitment substantially, needs considered when making decisions.