Current Search: Gonzalez, Jasmine (x)
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Title
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Behavioral enrichment of captive black bears (Ursus americanus).
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Creator
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Gonzalez, Jasmine, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
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Abstract/Description
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A crucial aspect of captive animal care is enrichment, ranging from simple additions of flora to complicated foraging puzzles. Enrichments are vital in creating an environment for animals that is similar to their wild habitat and eliciting natural behaviors. Enrichment is also used to inhibit unnatural or harmful behaviors, like pacing. Commonly, enrichment techniques are not scientifically tested, and the universality of enrichments is rarely scrutinized. This study explores the universality...
Show moreA crucial aspect of captive animal care is enrichment, ranging from simple additions of flora to complicated foraging puzzles. Enrichments are vital in creating an environment for animals that is similar to their wild habitat and eliciting natural behaviors. Enrichment is also used to inhibit unnatural or harmful behaviors, like pacing. Commonly, enrichment techniques are not scientifically tested, and the universality of enrichments is rarely scrutinized. This study explores the universality of a "Snak'n'Trim", a hollow ball 10 inches in diameter with a 1 inch opening for food items to be inserted into the ball. Four bears, (two male, two female) were observed for ten weeks, five in the summer and five in the winter. Daily observations were made during baseline and enrichment trials. Behavior frequency was calculated and results indicate a significant (p<.01) difference between baseline and enrichment trials, providing evidence for the efficacy of the Snak'n'Trim.
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Date Issued
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2012
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359302, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT3359302
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Subject Headings
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Captive wild animals, Black bear, Behavior, Black bear, Habitat, Social behavior in animals, Black bear, Effect of human beings on
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Format
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Document (PDF)
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Title
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Behavioral Enrichment of Captive Black Bears (Ursus americanus).
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Creator
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Gonzalez, Jasmine, Allard, Stephanie, Earles, Julie, Wetterer, James K.
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Date Issued
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2012-04-06
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3348822
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Subject Headings
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Bears, Captive wild animals, Animal welfare, Environmental enrichment, Ursus americanus
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Format
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Document (PDF)