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MPG North

MPG North

Protecting Open Space for Future Generations

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Cooney Creek Wildlife - Bear Hair Collection and DNA Analysis

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For the past four years, we’ve collected bear hair samples from June to November. Bear DNA analysis reveals how many individual black bears (Ursus americanus; above) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) visit MPG North

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We collect hair at three constructed rubs made from railroad ties (Rub A, B, C), and one natural rub on a young Douglas-fir tree (Rub D).

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   Bears also scratch rub posts with their claws.

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Game cameras document bear visits and alert technicians to retrieve hair.

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Game cameras document bear visits and alert technicians to retrieve hair.

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In 2016 I visited each bear rub weekly, collecting 84 hair samples. We sent the first batch of samples for lab analysis in August, and will send additional samples after bears go into hibernation.

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bear rub

Habitat Type(s): 

  • Deciduous Woodlands
  • Grassland or Open
  • Mixed Conifer
  • Riparian

Other Blog Posts

  • MPG Mushrooms: Morels, False Morels and Cup Fungi
  • MPG Mushrooms: Smoky Polypore
  • Cooney Creek Wildlife - Bobcat
  • Cooney Creek Wildlife - Ruffed Grouse
  • Cooney Creek Wildlife - White-tail Deer Rut
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Posted on 11/23/2016 by Anonymous

Tags: 

  • Wildlife Monitoring

Related

  • Cooney Creek Wildlife - White-tail Deer Rut
  • 07-22-11 Field Note: Swallows, Bears, Willows, Beetles, and Wildflowers
  • 06-28-16 Field Note

Photos

 Remote cameras deliver an inside view of wildlife behavior as shown here in this Buckeye capture from the summer of 2012.
This Buckeye camera captures animals walking across Main Bridge above Cooney Creek.
 This week’s capture totals include several images of snowshoe hares, putting them at third place in the roster. Their seasonal white coats provide camouflage as they bound across the crust of snow on broad feet.

Videos

Northern Pygmy Owl

120914 Northern Pygmy-owl at NMPG GS

Mustelid

100114 KF mustelid

Red Fox Rubs Post

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About MPG North

Established in 2005, the property boundary at MPG North encloses 200 undeveloped acres in Western Montana’s Swan Valley. Researchers and field staff manage the property to improve habitat quality for wildlife, discover new ways to restore damaged landscapes and study forest ecology. We also create opportunities to share what we've learned with local conservation organizations, students of all ages, management agencies and volunteers. Through these education and outreach efforts, we seek to inspire others to work together and protect undeveloped landscapes.