Polar Bear Research Why do scientists study polar bears?

The Polar Bear Perfectly adapted to the arctic sea ice Relies upon sea ice for critical aspects of its life history— feeding, finding mates, and giving birth

What Are Scientists Studying? Population Dynamics of Polar Bears Population Dynamics of Polar Bears o Population size o Reproduction o Survival rates How Polar Bears Use their Habitat How Polar Bears Use their Habitat Physical Condition of the Polar Bears Physical Condition of the Polar Bears

Capture-recapture Method: Capture-recapture Method: Provides data on population dynamics Gathering Physiological & Biological Data: Gathering Physiological & Biological Data: Documents the physical condition of the bears GPS Collar Tracking: GPS Collar Tracking: Shows how polar bears use their habitat How Are Scientists Studying Polar Bears? Research Methods

How To Study Polar Bears Step-by-Step

Step 1: Find the polar bear Tracks Leads or areas of open water or thin ice where seals have breathing holes What does the team look for? Pressure ridges (ridges of ice) that bears follow as they travel

Can you see the polar bear? Tracks Pressure Ridge

Step 2: Approach When a bear is spotted the team confirms: A safe place to land the helicopter That there are no other polar bears in the area (for the safety of the scientists and the polar bear) That there is no place where the polar bear could run and potentially get hurt

Step 3: Darting the polar bear This takes skill on the part of the helicopter pilot and the scientist

Step 4: Approaching with caution

Step 5: Collecting all possible data Time and efficiency are of the essence Time and efficiency are of the essence Data is collected from head to toe Data is collected from head to toe

What Do Scientists Learn From Their Research?

Long-term Data Collection Collaring & Tracking Bears

Automated collar release VHF antenna GPS antenna ARGOS antenna

Learning from the Data

Wild polar bears are the most mobile of non-aquatic mammals. As with other species, scientists have used radio telemetry to follow their movements in order to gather information that can be used to more effectively manage them.

What does it take to study polar bears? Background and Behind the Scenes of Polar Bear Research

Working in the Arctic = Extreme Environment Sea Ice Sea Ice o Variable size, shape, thickness, amount o Always moving and changing Sea Ice Sea Ice o Variable size, shape, thickness, amount o Always moving and changing

Near Kaktovik, Alaska the mean average temperature during the research season can be 10-20°F (without wind chill) Weather: Weather:

The Scientist in Alaska “After observing and capturing hundreds of polar bears over a 30-year career … the first bear sighting of every field season still invokes a feeling of ‘Wow! There’s a real wild polar bear!’ I will never lose the sense of awe they inspire.” Dr. Steven C. Amstrup

The Scientist in Canada “I became a polar bear researcher because I wanted to do my part to help conserve the animals that are struggling with the effects of a changing environment due to human activities. By studying polar bears, I am contributing to our knowledge about them and helping to make sure that they persist for many generations to come. It's a very fun and satisfying job!” Alysa McCall, MSc in Ecology, University of Alberta

The Photographer “I enjoy being the explorer as well as the photographer. For me photography of the natural world is more than just pretty settings and cuddly animal pictures. It’s a concern for the environment and the earth all living creatures must share.” Daniel J. Cox

The People Behind the Scenes Careful checklists Careful checklists Tools that have been tested and retested Tools that have been tested and retested Well-organized equipment Well-organized equipment Individuals who are skilled at problem- solving, have a can-do spirit, and can do it all! Individuals who are skilled at problem- solving, have a can-do spirit, and can do it all! What does it take to get ready for fieldwork in the North?

The Gear Behind the Scenes Tools are needed for: Safety Safety Research Research Back-up supplies Back-up supplies Storage Storage

Not everyone can study polar bears…but we can ALL help polar bears and their arctic habitat!

© 2013 Polar Bears International. All Rights Reserved. Marks and text appearing in this presentation including, but not limited to, the Polar Bears International name, logo, and programs are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of Polar Bears International. On behalf of polar bears everywhere, PBI thanks you! Photos: © Daniel J. Cox / unless noted.