"Rogers (1986) summarized data from various studies reporting movements of black bears after translocation. In total, 81% of bears returned to their capture area when translocated less than 64 km, 48% returned from 64 to 120 km, 33% from 120 to 220 km, and 20 % from over 220 km. Other studies, summarized by Linnell et al. (1997), showed return rates between 45% and 86% for black bears moved less than 64 km. Grizzly and brown bears also demonstrate strong homing tendencies. Of 85 grizzly bears translocated less than 125 km in Yellowstone National Park, 59% returned to their capture site (Brannon 1987). In Alaska, Miller and Ballard (1982) translocated 20 radio-collared brown bears over distances of 150 to 300 km. At least 12 (60%) traveled back to their capture area, from an average distance of 198 km. None of the bears remained at their release site."(212)

"translocated bear cubs, yearlings, and subadults return less frequently than adults (Rogers 1986)."(213)

"In Glacier National Park, 11% of translocated black bears caused similar problems elsewhere(McArthur 1981)."(216)

"In Yellowstone National Park, 43% of translocated grizzly bears were involved in further depredation incidents (Brannon 1987)."(216)

"In Minnesota, 13% of 107 translocated wolves captured at farms following depredation or harassment of livestock were recaptured at least once more for causing similar problems (Fritts et al. 1985)."(216)

"In the worst-case scenario, animals translocated because of inappropriate behavior may teach that behavior to other individuals through social facilitation. The inappropriate behavior may then quickly spread through the population. For instance, when a few black bears in Yosemite National Park learned how to break into cars to obtain food that might be inside, the bears were relocated to other parts of the park rather than being euthanized. This practice compounded the problem by spreading the learned behavior throughout the bear population in the park."(217)

"translocation does reduce survival of grizzly bears. In Yellowstone National Park, Blanchard and Knight (1995) compared survival of radio-collared grizzly bears which were either captured in management actions and translocated, or captured for research purposes and released at their capture site. They found that translocated bears had lower survival rates than nontranslocated bears (71 to 80% vs. 87 to 94% respectively). In Alaska, Miller and Ballard (1982) observed a high mortality of brown bear cubs and yearlings translocated with their mothers. They also reported that none of the translocated females produced young the year after they were moved."(219)

"The annual mortality rate (40%) for translocated gray wolves in Minnesota was similar to that for nontranslocated wolves in other parts of the state (Fritts et al. 1985)."(219)

"Transmission of disease and parasites by translocated wildlife is a serious concern; infected individuals translocated to an area where a certain disease is absent could potentially start an epidemic."(220)

"The main benefit of translocation lies in public relations. Translocation is socially acceptable; people always prefer to "give the animal a second chance," even when knowing that the odds are against the animal surviving…. Essentially, the translocation of animals makes sense in three situations: 1. when the animal is so valuable that euthanasia is not an option, 2. when the population is below carrying capacity at the release site, and 3. when public relations are more important than other factors."(224)