Publications
USGS research activities relevant to Alaska have yielded more than 9400 historical publications. This page features some of the most recent newsworthy research findings.
Filter Total Items: 3099
Serum biochemistry of captive and free-ranging gray wolves (Canis lupus) Serum biochemistry of captive and free-ranging gray wolves (Canis lupus)
Normal serum biochemistry values are frequently obtained from studies of captive sedentary (zoo) or free-ranging (wild) animals. It is frequently assumed that values from these two populations are directly referable to each other. We tested this assumption using 20 captive gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Minnesota, USA, and 11 free-ranging gray wolves in Alaska, USA. Free-ranging wolves had...
Authors
Peter Constable, Ken Hinchcliff, Nick Demma, Margaret Callahan, B.W. Dale, Kevin Fox, Layne G. Adams, Ray Wack, Lynn Kramer
Observations of geese foraging for clam shells during spring on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska Observations of geese foraging for clam shells during spring on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
We studied the behavior of geese on exposed river ice during spring on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. The predominant behavior while on the ice for both sexes was foraging; however, females foraged more than males. Visual inspection of the ice revealed no potential plant or animal food items. However, numerous small (
Authors
Paul L. Flint, Ada C. Fowler, Grace E. Bottitta, Jason L. Schamber
Alaska resource data file: Lake Clark quadrangle Alaska resource data file: Lake Clark quadrangle
No abstract available.
Authors
Damon P. Bickerstaff
Alaska resource data file: Bradfield Canal quadrangle Alaska resource data file: Bradfield Canal quadrangle
No abstract available.
Authors
Henry C. Berg
Alaska resource date file: Talkeetna Mountains quadrangle Alaska resource date file: Talkeetna Mountains quadrangle
No abstract available.
Authors
J.R. Riehle
Marbled murrelets have declined in Alaska Marbled murrelets have declined in Alaska
In the last issue of Northwest Science, Hayward and Iverson (“Long-Term Trends in Marbled Murrelets in Southeast Alaska Based on Christmas Bird Counts”) failed to mention other evidence for 40-75% declines in murrelet populations, or discuss implications of a climate regime shift that has reduced populations of seabirds in Alaska, or present any useful information on the status of old...
Authors
John F. Piatt
Blood lead concentrations of spectacled eiders near the Kashunuk River, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Blood lead concentrations of spectacled eiders near the Kashunuk River, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
We collected, 342 blood samples from spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) on their breeding grounds in western Alaska from late May through to early August 1993–1995. Lead concentrations of ≥0.50 p.p.m. wet weight were found in the blood of 20% of the adult female eiders, 2% of the adult males and 6% of the ducklings. Lead was detected (≥0.02 p.p.m.) more frequently in the blood of...
Authors
J. Christian Franson, Margaret R. Petersen, Lynn H. Creekmore, Paul L. Flint, Milton R. Smith
Estimates of brown bear abundance on Kodiak Island, Alaska Estimates of brown bear abundance on Kodiak Island, Alaska
During 1987-94 we used capture-mark-resight (CMR) methodology and rates of observation (bears/hour and bears/100 km2) of unmarked brown bears (Ursus arctos middendorffi) during intensive aerial surveys (IAS) to estimate abundance of brown bears on Kodiak Island and to establish a baseline for monitoring population trends. CMR estimates were obtained on 3 study areas; density ranged from...
Authors
V.G. Barnes, R. B. Smith
Identifying and mitigating errors in satellite telemetry of polar bears Identifying and mitigating errors in satellite telemetry of polar bears
Satellite radiotelemetry is a useful method of tracking movements of animals that travel long distances or inhabit remote areas. However, the logistical constraints that encourage the use of satellite telemetry also inhibit efforts to assess accuracy of the resulting data. To investigate effectiveness of methods that might be used to improve the reliability of these data, we compared 3...
Authors
Stephen M. Arthur, Gerald W. Garner, Tamara L. Olson
Effect of lead poisoning on spectacled eider survival rates Effect of lead poisoning on spectacled eider survival rates
Spectacled eider (Somateria fischeri) populations on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Y-K Delta), Alaska, declined rapidly through the 1980s, and low adult female survival was suggested as the likely cause of the decline. We used mark-resighting techniques to study annual survival rates of adult female spectacled eiders at 2 sites on the Y-K Delta during 1993-96. Our data suggest survival...
Authors
J. Barry Grand, Paul L. Flint, Margaret R. Petersen, Christine L. Moran
A drift experiment to assess the influence of wind on recovery of oiled seabirds on St Paul Island, Alaska A drift experiment to assess the influence of wind on recovery of oiled seabirds on St Paul Island, Alaska
We used wooden blocks to estimate the proportion of oiled seabird carcasses that were likely to be recovered on beaches of St Paul Island, Alaska following a near-shore oil spill. We released a total of 302 blocks 6 km north of the island in 1997 at the site of a 17 II 1996 oil spill. We used a paired design and released half the blocks when the winds were onshore and released the second...
Authors
Paul L. Flint, A. C. Fowler
Alaska resource data file: Anchorage quadrangle Alaska resource data file: Anchorage quadrangle
No abstract available.
Authors
D P. Bickerstaff, S. W. Huss