HARD MAST SURVEY
Hard mast is an important food source for black bears, white-tailed deer, and turkeys in the Northeast United States. In Maine, black bears forage for acorns and beechnut in the fall to build fat reserves before entering the winter den. A past study found that some females synchronized their 2-year reproductive schedules with beechnut production. Except for Maine, all New England states survey acorns and beechnut every year to inform their management programs. For this study, we will initiate the NE Mast Survey in Maine by surveying hard mast on Penobscot Nation land throughout the state. Establishing a database would allow Maine to make more informed wildlife management decisions based on hard mast data.
RESEARCH
WHAT IS MAST?
In an effort to gain a better understanding of the world around us, we have recently begun to use a new technique to investigate the organization and functionality of the diverse parts of our experimental model. We are currently looking to expand this work by collaborating with other labs who have the facilities and prior experience to investigate this project further.
HOW MUCH OF A BEARS DIET IS MAST?
American black bear diet is comprised of hard mast (nuts, acorns, etc), soft mast (berries, etc.), insects, fish, and small mammals. During heavy mast production years, it is believed that a majority of the Maine bear's diet is hard mast.
HUMAN-BEAR CONFLICT DURING LOW MAST-PRODUCTION YEARS
During years of low hard mast production, reports of human-bear conflict typically increase. We are hoping to determine if the conflict increases are based upon a demographic within the population, or if the decrease is due completely based on where resources are / are not available throughout the state.