NUTRIENT CONTENT OF SQUAWROOT, CONOPHOLIS-AMERICANA, AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BLACK BEARS, URSUS-AMERICANUS (CARNIVORA, URSIDAE)

Squawroot (Conopholis americana), a preferred late spring and early su mmer food of black bears (Ursus americanus), was collected from Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, on a weekly basis from 25 April to 4 July 1987. Proximate analysis procedures were used to determine the n utrient content of the plant. Samples were examined for nutrient diffe rences between the capsule and stems. Peak percentages were 13% crude protein (capsule), 31% crude fiber (capsule), 3% fat [either extract] (capsule), and 77% nitrogen-free extract [NFE] (whole plant). Gross en ergy averaged 4.84 kcal/dry g. Levels of crude protein, crude fiber, a nd either extract were similar to values reported for soft mast specie s eaten by bears, and NFE was greater than herbaceous material consume d in spring. Trends in protein and fat content were higher in the caps ules; protein decreased as crude fiber increased. Nitrogen-flee extrac t levels were relatively high throughout the study and likely represen t an important energy source for bears feeding on squawroot.