Images

Biologists use a syringe pole to immobilize the captured grizzly bear.  It takes approximately 10 minutes for a bear to become immobilized.  

Biologists are very careful to keep the grizzly bear under shade and protected from the elements while they collect biological data.  Vital signs are monitored throughout the handling period. 

Biologists measure a grizzly bear’s paw width. 

At capture sites with road access, biologists drive to a trap with a bear inside to set up for collecting biological data. 

A biologist prepares to collect biological information from the bear they have captured.  Biologists collect hair samples for genetic analysis, weigh the bear,  and gather numerous measurements of the body, such as the head, paws, claws, teeth, etc.  Overall condition of the bear is assessed as well, including a body fat measurement.

Once a grizzly bear is radio collared, biologists can track its movements with telemetry via airplane.  The IGBST also used the latest telemetry technologies, which allows downloading of GPS data from the radio collar via satellites.

Biologists measure a grizzly bear’s body length.

Once a grizzly bear is radio collared, biologists can track its movements with telemetry on foot.   

Westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout in the North Fork of the Flathead River, Montana.

USGS scientist shoots a repeat photograph of Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park to illustrate glacial recession due to impacts of climate change.

USGS scientist Greg Pederson and field collaborator set up a repeat photograph in Glacier National Park.  

When looking for a place to set up a capture location, biologists look for existing bear sign such as scratches on trees and bear scat.  Sometimes traps are set in areas that have no obvious bear sign to determine if indeed bears are present.

When looking for a place to set up a capture location, biologists look for existing bear sign such as scratches on trees and bear scat.  Sometimes traps are set in areas that have no obvious bear sign to determine if indeed bears are present.

A USGS grizzly bear researcher snapped this picture of a mother grizzly bear and her cub in Yellowstone National Park. Recent research shows that fffspring of grizzly bear mothers with a history of human-bear conflicts are more likely to be involved in human-bear conflicts than offspring of mothers without a history of human-bear conflicts. 

USGS staff dig snowpits to evaluate the snow structure after a wet snow avalanche cycle. This helps identify weak layers responsible for wet slab avalanches along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

A grizzly bear has cached an elk carcass in Grand Teton National Park. Scientists used DNA from hair samples collected from barbed wire to estimate whether the availability of carcasses associated with an elk hunting season resulted in temporary immigration of grizzly bears. 

USGS scientist Todd Preston launches a UAV in Montana to study potential application for wildlife monitoring.  

A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.

Filtering water for eDNA sample collection in Yellowstone National Park between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes.

Collecting macroinvertebrates in Glacier National Park.

Aerial photograph of South Cascade Glacier, WA taken October 14th, 2015.