Bear research project updates are coming soon. For more up-to-date information in the meantime, please see the
2010-2011 annual report.
No formal field research projects on black bear have been conducted by the Mammals Research Section since the mid-1990s - The last major black bear research project led by former researcher Tom Beck, occurred on the Uncompahgre Plateau in western Colorado with objectives of estimating bear habitat use, survival rates, and developing techniques to estimate bear density. (updated 12/2008)
Genetic Analysis of Bear DNA - Led by Jerry Apker, Statewide Carnivore Manager, Mat Alldredge, and Chuck Anderson. Genetic samples are being obtained statewide from harvested bears to assess the genetic relatedness among bears across the state in an effort to evaluate whether major differences in bear management might be indicated by genetic information. As part of the mandatory harvest check program, genetic samples are obtained from teeth that are extracted from harvested bears to obtain estimates of animal age. To date based on 2-years of data, analysis of DNA characteristics suggest bears are comprised of one large meta-population across the western 2/3 of the state indicating considerable mixing of bear DNA across large geographic areas, presumably by male bears dispersing when young. Further DNA sampling is planned for 1 or 2 more years to confirm results. (updated 12/2008)
Use of Chromosomal Telomeres to Estimate Age of Bears and Cougars - Led by Chuck Anderson, Mat Alldredge, and Jerry Apker, in cooperation with Wyoming Department of Game and Fish. Further analysis of bear and cougar genetic samples are being conducted in a pilot project to assess the potential use of Telomere length, a specific portion of chromosomes, to estimate age of bears and cougars harvested by hunters. The project is using genetic material from bears and cougars of known age. Initial results suggest further testing is warranted. (updated 12/2008)
Estimating Density of Black Bears Using Hair Snags and Hunter Harvest - Led by Jerry Apker, Statewide Carnivore Manager, in coordination with Mat Alldredge, Chuck Anderson, and Paul Lukacs, Division Biometrician. Genetic sampling of black bears will occur by using hair-snares deployed in July/August within 2 major bear population areas. DNA obtained from hair snares will be assayed and compared with DNA obtained from hunter harvested bears in the same 2 areas in an attempt to use genetic mark/recapture techniques to monitor black bear population status. This work is projected to begin in July 2009. (updated 12/2008)
Forthcoming bear research may involve assessing interactions of bears and humans along Colorado’s Front-Range urban-exurban corridor - This potential field research project will be heavily dependent on acquiring adequate future funding and may begin in 2010. (updated 12/2008)