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Extirpation of a Large Black Bear Population by Introduced White‐Tailed Deer

The negative impacts of introduced and invasive species on native fauna and flora have been reported in many systems (Diamond & Case 1986; Williamson 1996; Mack & D’Antonio 1998). One of the greatest challenges of native species is to survive the increased competition for resources generated by the colonization of introduced species. Density-dependent reduction in reproduction and increased mortality through starvation may arise from exploitative competition. As the number of competitors increases, food supply is depleted and less-competitive individuals, or the least competitive species, may starve to death (Sinclair 1989). Introduced exotic or native species often eliminate or greatly reduce the abundance of native species, especially on islands (Williamson 1996; Drake et al. 2002). For example, the introduced gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is outcompeting the native red squirrel (S. vulgaris) in most of the United Kingdom and northern Italy (Gurnell & Pepper 1993), the species richness of ants has dropped by 70% in areas invaded by the fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) in the United States (Porter & Savignano 1990), and the introduced bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is thought to have extirpated the Sacramento perch (Archoplites interruptus) from most of its native range in California (Marchetti 1999). Examples of a large mammal extirpating another large mammal, however, are rare. Understanding situations of competitive exclusion by species introduced in natural ecosystems is essential for the conservation of wildlife. Here, I report on a system in which a population of black bears (Ursus americanus) inhabiting a large island was most likely extirpated by introduced white-tailed