POPULATION DYNAMICS

We will use a population projection matrix to estimate population dynamics over time in each Penobscot study area. Our projection matrix will be sex-specific and age-specific. We will use the following data sources to estimate the sex- and age-specific survival and recruitment of black bears in each study area: 1) summer captures; 2) winter den surveys; 3) fates of tagged bears (including collared bears) and problem bears; and 4) age-at-harvest records for bears throughout the state.