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Effects of inedible, manipulable objects on captive bears
1Department of Psychology, Washburn University, Topeka, KS 66621, USA.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS
|December 21, 2005
Summary
Providing bears with non-food toys can reduce abnormal behaviors and increase activity. This study shows plastic objects prolonged engagement in appetitive behaviors for polar bears and spectacled bears.
Area of Science:
- Ethology
- Animal Behavior
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Captive bears exhibit abnormal behaviors like stereotypies and inactivity.
- Current enrichment strategies often focus on feeding, with limited long-term effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of inedible, manipulable objects on captive bear behavior.
- To assess if non-food enrichment can reduce abnormal behaviors and increase activity.
Main Methods:
- Two polar bears (Ursus maritimus) were given plastic floats.
- A sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) and a spectacled bear (Treniarctos ornatus) received plastic balls.
- Behavioral changes were observed over a 7-week period.
Main Results:
- Polar bears significantly increased activity levels in the presence of toy floats.
- The spectacled bear showed a reduction in pacing behavior when provided with toys.
- The sloth bear did not exhibit a notable response to the introduced objects.
Conclusions:
- Manipulable, non-food objects can be effective enrichment tools for certain bear species.
- Plastic toys can promote prolonged engagement in appetitive behaviors, particularly in polar bears.
- Species-specific responses to enrichment suggest varied needs in captive bear populations.
