Black bears (Ursus americanus) have begun to recolonize portions of their historic range in western Nevada, expanding from the Sierra Nevada into increasingly human-dominated landscapes. Understanding how environmental and anthropogenic factors shape habitat selection during this expansion is critical for proactive management. We used GPS collar data from 49 adult bears monitored between 2012 and 2024 to model active-season resource selection across western Nevada using generalized linear mixed-effects resource selection models with nonlinear covariate effects. Environmental predictors included elevation, vegetation structure (tree and shrub cover), landcover type, terrain aspect, and distance to roads and water. Models incorporated quadratic responses and individual-specific random slopes to account for nonlinear selection and heterogeneity among bears. Bears most strongly selected intermediate elevations, areas with moderate tree and higher shrub cover, pinyon–juniper woodlands, and proximity to water, while showing strong avoidance of roads. Considerable individual variation in selection strength was detected, though population-level patterns were consistent. Spatial predictions identified extensive areas of suitable but currently unoccupied habitat in northern and central Nevada mountain ranges. These results provide a quantitative framework for forecasting recolonization potential and identifying regions where human–bear interactions are likely to increase, supporting data-driven management of Nevada’s recovering black bear population.

Alanna Garcia is a master’s student in Dr. Kelley Stewart’s Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her research focuses on black bear ecology in Nevada, particularly habitat selection and the impacts of the expanding urban interface. She is passionate about mammal ecology and how rigorous research can reveal patterns in animal movement, behavior, and resource use. Alanna has worked with a variety of species across the western United States, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bobcats, and mule deer, and aims to continue conducting meaningful research while engaging the public in wildlife conservation.