Sightings of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: Results of a mail survey conducted 1987-1989 [final report]

Authors(s): L. L. McDonald, M. D. Strickland, A. H. Wheeler and M. A. Mullen

Publication:

Publisher:

Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: final report

Location: Laramie WY

Abstract: The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) recognized the need to develop an economic means of monitoring grizzly bear population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). This project was initiated in 1987 by the Department of Statistics of the University of Wyoming under the direction of Dr. Lyman McDonald with funding provided by the IGBC through the Wyoming Cooperative Fisheries and Wildlife Research Unit. This is the final report for the project covering the period 1987 through 1989. The goal of the project was to develop and evaluate the use of a mailed survey of the major user groups of the GYE as a means of monitoring trends in grizzly bear distribution and abundance. The objectives of the study were to (1) identify sampling frames (ie, lists) of users who warrant inclusion in the sample, (2) refine survey methods to be more economical and efficient, (3) conduct the mail survey of user groups and compile reported grizzly bear sightings, (4) recommend the sampling methodology for potential future mail surveys, and (5) summarize data and describe trends in grizzly bear sightings collected during the three years of this survey. Three user groups were selected for the survey, including: (1) the commercial operator user group (outfitters and guides, loggers, and miners); (2) hunters; and (3) the biologist/agency personnel user group (biologists, foresters, and various field personnel of state and federal management agencies). Each participant received a cover letter explaining the study, a map and a questionnaire requesting the location of grizzly sightings and other associated data (ie, the date, number of bears, sex and age data on the bears, and any comments). The 1987 survey asked for respondents to recall observations for the period 1983 through 1987. The 1988 and 1989 surveys requested only data from the previous field season. The initial mailings were made in November of the survey year followed by a postcard reminder mailed to each individual one week after the initial mailing.

Keywords: Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Wyoming, animal, mammal, bear, Ursidae, grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, population, mortality, Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC)