COSTS AND BENEFITS OF SCENTS USED IN MARK-RECAPTURE STUDIES OF BLACK BEARS IN UTAH.

We conducted capture-mark-recapture (CMR) studies of American black bears (Ursus americanus) by snagging hair-follicle tissue for subsequent genetic analysis, which we used to identify individuals. We used 4 types of scent lure to attract bears to the hair-sampling sites in 5 study areas over a 7-year period (2005-2011), and we assessed the types of scent lure in terms of their cost and their probability of capturing tissue samples. The four types of scent lure we tested varied dramatically in cost but exhibited little difference in terms of their probability of capturing tissue samples. Using lures with a high degree of attractiveness to bears is critical to capturing robust tissue samples. Because CMR studies based on hair collection require large quantities of scent lure, researchers can manage budgets by selecting low-cost lures that have a high degree of attractiveness to bears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]