Comparative habitat selection of black bears, wolves, and boreal caribou in an area of low anthropogenic disturbance

Across boreal ecosystems, landscape disturbance alters predator–prey dynamics by modifying habitat structure, movement corridors, and spatial overlap among species. For woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus caribou ), these shifts are largely driven by anthropogenic disturbance and have contributed to population declines through increased predation risk. However, these dynamics are often studied in heavily disturbed regions. We examined seasonal habitat selection using resource selection functions for black bears ( Ursus americanus ) and wolves ( Canis lupus ) in a fire-dominated boreal landscape with low anthropogenic disturbance (Saskatchewan Boreal Shield). Using latent selection difference modelling, we assessed spatial overlap between each predator and caribou during the calving season, when calves are most vulnerable. Black bears selected mixed coniferous-deciduous forest early in the season, young coniferous stands in fall, burns 0–20 years post-fire, and areas closer to linear features, while avoiding black spruce swamp and burns >30 years. Wolves consistently selected open muskeg, burns 31–40 years post-fire, and areas closer to linear features, while avoiding young jack pine and burns >40 years. During the calving season, black bears and wolves were more likely to select mixed coniferous-deciduous forest and burns 11–40 years old, and less likely to select black spruce swamp, open muskeg, and young-mid jack pine compared to caribou. Both predators were more likely to select areas closer to linear features than caribou. These findings provide a critical benchmark for understanding how disturbance patterns may influence predator–prey habitat selection and highlight the need for management that considers natural and anthropogenic processes.