Broad‐scale genetic monitoring suggests density‐dependent dispersal in a large carnivore

Characterizing patterns and drivers of dispersal is fundamental to our understanding animal ecology ultimately informing species conservation management strategies. In this study, we used microsatellite data from 3941 individual black bears Ursus americanus occupying 73 spatially distinct sampling areas across a large heterogeneous landscape characterize via gene flow directionality. We fit spatial models quantified test hypotheses regarding putative patterns. Specifically, tested the relative influence food productivity gradients, bear density, harvest on dispersal. also evaluated differences in within between sexes assess sex-biased found evidence suggestive positive density-dependent, male-biased Our show relationship broad gradients. male displayed preferential towards mixed deciduous forests with higher less productive boreal forests. Given dense scheme continuous population, landscape, these results provide key insight as likely wide-ranging mammal.