Hunting of large carnivores is known to have demographic consequences; however, the effects on carnivore behavior are less known. A recent study in Sweden comparing the movement patterns of 78 bears before and during the annual bear hunting season shows a change in bear activity with the start of hunting. Bear hunting (from 21st August till the quota is filled, usually October) is basically allowed during daytime, and coincides with moose hunting season. Hunting often finishes just when the bears enter their winter dens (end of October). Bears were expected to become more diurnal. However, solitary bears, subject to hunting, moved less during daylight after hunting started, and compensate this by increasing movements during the dark hours. Family groups, which are protected regardless of cubs’ age, also modified their movement patterns, but much less than hunted bears. Solitary bears adjusted their daily activity patterns to prevent encounters with humans. Ordiz and co-authors highlight that hunting season represents a disturbance that overlaps with hyperphagia, a critical time of the year, when bears must store reserves before hibernation.
