Images

One of the first measurements taken is the bear’s weight using a quadpod and electronic scale. 

Field personnel use bioelectrical impedance to assess body fat percentage of captured bears.  The procedure is similar to how body fat is measured in humans and is based on the resistance of body tissues to the flow of a small, harmless electrical signal.

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.   

Honey bees play a major role in pollinating the world’s plants, including those we eat regularly. However, land-use changes that decrease flower abundance can affect bee health and pollination services.

Honey bees play a major role in pollinating the world’s plants, including those we eat regularly. However, land-use changes that decrease flower abundance can affect bee health and pollination services.

Honey bees play a major role in pollinating the world’s plants, including those we eat regularly. However, land-use changes that decrease flower abundance can affect bee health and pollination services.

Flock of unidentified birds in water with Mangroves at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Pair of Greater White-fronted Geese at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge.

 Lesser Snow Goose at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge.

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.

Flock of Ross’s Geese at Colusa National Wildlife Refuge.

USGS scientist sampling water at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge for analysis of avian influenza to determine if wild bird habitat is a reservoir of the virus.  

Drilling to take water chemistry samples for permafrost study in the Yukon River Basin