GLACIER BEAR Ursus americanus emmonsii (Dall) 



Order: CARNIVORA Family: URSIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : This grayish or bluish bear is thought to be a small 

 color phase of the common black bear, restricted to southern Alaska and northern 

 British Columbia. 



Present distribution : Mainland of Alaska from the Upper Copper River and Matanuska 

 River Valleys southeastward at least to Tracy Arm and the mouth of the Chickamin 

 River . 



Former distribution : Same . 



Status: Restricted in range and limited in numbers, but the population appears to 

 be stabilized . 



Estimated numbers : About 500. 



Breeding rate in the wild : One to two cubs in alternate years . 



Reasons for decline : Overhunting as a curio, and its circumscribed range. 



Protective measures already taken : Glacier Bay National Monument serves as a refuge. 

 Hunting of black and glacier bears in Alaska Units 1-5 is prohibited during July and 

 August; no more than one glacier bear may be taken per hunter per year. The taking 

 of cubs, or females accompanied by cubs, is prohibited. In addition, no glacier bear 

 skins may be sold. 



Measures proposed : Adequate patrolling to prevent poaching . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Thought to be good . 



Number in captivity : One male in San Diego Zoo (1972) . 



References : 



Allen, G. M. 1942. Extinct and vanishing mammals of the Western Hemisphere. 



American Committee for International Wildlife Protection, Spec. Publ . 11, 



pp. 135-138. 

 Matthiessen, P. 1959. Wildlife in America. Viking, N. Y., p. 89. 



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