Grizzly bear response to translocation into a novel environment

Context To mitigate conservation conflicts, some jurisdictions translocate large carnivores into novel environments where they have no previous experience. Behavioural responses of these individuals are not typically monitored to evaluate the impacts this management approach on animals or populations. Aims We examined how grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) involved in conflict responded after translocation. Methods used GPS location data compare translocated a environment (n = 12) with resident within new area 12). Our analyses investigated differences between groups relation exploration behaviour, habitat use and response human-caused mortality risk. Key results Translocated had higher movement rates, greater daily displacement revisited areas less frequently than did bears. They spent more time poor-quality was even lower quality second year selected for agricultural lands active oil gas wellsites. also potential risk However, avoided residential areas, which selected, crossed roads at same rate as Both campgrounds recreation sites. Only 25% engaged further behaviour translocation 67% survived over 2-year monitoring period. Conclusions This work found bears, showed that can survive without reoffending during critical few years following Implications Managers public should recognise translocating require explore learn their environment, process occur repeating conflict. When does re-occur, it be viewed part animal learning immediately failure. On basis amount near humans anthropogenic features, our findings suggest do pose threat