The genetics of bears apparently has been changed more over time by hunting and other human activities than by natural macro-changes like ice ages.
Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is past President of the Western Watersheds Project and the creator of The Wildlife News.
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This study is just confirming what we already know about many other species that have been modified by human behavior. Cattle, dogs & other domesticated species are the most obvious examples. Bears, although never really domesticated, have been selectively harvested based on size & aggression. Bear hunters, for the most part want to put their foot on the head of the largest bear and have their picture taken. What self -respecting hunter would shoot a hundred pound bear when there is a 1000 pounder out there to be harvested? Since bears have low fecundity rates, it would seem obvious that over time there would be fewer large bears to pass on their genes.