The Bear Project
In collaboration with the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, we have created a Bear Project Infographic (PDF). We made this for a print poster to explain the methods and outcomes of this long-term monitoring project that we could share with partners (Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department, Wuikinuxv Nation, and Hakai Institute), staff and volunteers, as well as the broader community interested in our work.
What can bear hair tell us about bears?
Each Spring, as bears are waking up from winter sleep, teams of researchers, Coastal Guardian Watchmen, community partners, and local youth interns set up non-invasive hair-snagging sites (barbed wire corrals) to sample a small tuft of hair from bears.
Setting up bear hair collection sites
This non-invasive sampling technique was developed on the coast by Haíɫzaqv First Nation researchers in 2006. Raincoast is currently partnered with Haíɫzaqv and Wuikinuxv Nations to study black and grizzly bears.
Attracting the bear
Bears are attracted to the sampling sites using a non-reward liquid bait made of fish oil. During the spring shedding season, hair tufts are gently pulled out by barbs.
Collecting the samples
Hair samples, which have genetic information in the roots, are then collected at sampling sites every 10 to 14 days. As bears undergo an annual moult and shed their previous waking year’s coats during this time, we’re often able to collect intact hair strands representing a years-worth of dietary information from the sites.
We perform two primary analyses, from which many applied research questions can be answered
- Genetic analysis: Hair samples are first sent for genetic analysis to identify the species, sex, and individual identity of each sample. This allows us to track bear behaviour and their populations over time.
- Stable isotope analysis: After samples are genetically identified, they are sent for stable isotope analysis. From this, we are able to estimate the proportions of different foods that make up individual bear diets (i.e., salmon, intertidal, plants, terrestrial meat).
Research opportunities
From this research we are able to answer:
- Where and when do we detect bears of each species and sex, and how might they move among sampling sites?
- What proportion of a bear’s diet consists of salmon, and does this vary by area or year?
- Are populations growing or declining, and why?
- And ultimately, what habitat and salmon management decisions benefit bears?
