Seasonal serum glucose, progesterone, and Cortisol levels of black bears (Ursus americanus)

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Abstract
Sixty-two black bears were captured at different seasons during the years 1983–1987. Bears were anesthetized in their dens during the winter and parts of the fall and spring, while bears captured during the summer were snared prior to anesthesia. Radioimmunoassays for both Cortisol and progesterone were validated on black bear serum. An improved, rapid progesterone radioimmunoassay for black bear serum is reported. Serum glucose demonstrated a tendency for reduction during spring. Serum progesterone levels did not demonstrate seasonal differences and were significantly higher in females only during the summer ovulatory/postestrus period. Serum Cortisol was significantly elevated during the winter denning period as compared with the summer period. We conclude that differences in serum progesterone, Cortisol, and glucose may not be indicators of stress exposure, but of seasonal reproductive states and metabolic utilization of fat reserves.
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