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Heather Johnson, Ph.D.

Population ecology, resource selection, human-wildlife conflicts, predator-prey relationships, endangered species conservation, large mammal ecology and management, effects of land-use change on wildlife populations.

Professional Experience

  • 2017 - Present          Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK

  • 2010 - 2017                Wildlife Researcher, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Durango, CO

  • 2010                            Post-doctoral Researcher, University of Montana, Missoula, MT

  • 2005 - 2010              Graduate Research Assistant, University of Montana, Missoula, MT

  • 2004 - 2005              Contract Wildlife Biologist, California Department of Fish and Game, Bishop, CA

  • 2001 - 2003              Graduate Research Assistant, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

  • 1999 - 2001              Various field technician positions

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D.  2010    University of Montana, Missoula, MT     Wildlife Biology

  • M.S.   2003    University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ      Wildlife Science

  • B.S.   1999     University of California, San Diego, CA      Biology

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • The Wildlife Society

  • Society for Conservation Biology

Honors and Awards

  • Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award (2021)

  • USDA/APHIS/WS/National Wildlife Research Center - Outstanding Research Publication (2015)

  • Graduate Research Award, Wildlife Ecology Program, University of Montana (2010)

  • PEO Scholar, University of Montana (2009)

  • Canon National Parks Science Scholar (2007)

  • Best Thesis Award, School of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Arizona (2003)

Science and Products

Caribou grazing near the Dalton Highway in the northern part of Alaska.

Changing Arctic Ecosystems

Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Changing Arctic Ecosystems

Changing Arctic Ecosystems

Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
Learn More
Caribou roaming the Arctic Coastal Plain

Terrestrial Mammal Research

Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Terrestrial Mammal Research

Terrestrial Mammal Research

Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
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Mother and young caribou on Yukon-Alaska border

Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)

Available here are tracking data of Caribou, an ungulate that ranges between the Alaska Peninsula, up through interior Alaska and the Arctic Coastal Plain, and over to the Yukon Territory. These data were collected from animals living in three different herds including the Fortymile herd, Nelchina herd, and Denali herd.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)

Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)

Available here are tracking data of Caribou, an ungulate that ranges between the Alaska Peninsula, up through interior Alaska and the Arctic Coastal Plain, and over to the Yukon Territory. These data were collected from animals living in three different herds including the Fortymile herd, Nelchina herd, and Denali herd.
Learn More

The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

Negative human-bear interactions are a common problem and management priority for many wildlife agencies in North America. Bears are adaptable to anthropogenic activity and food sources which creates opportunities for conflict with humans, including property damage, livestock depredation, and in severe cases, human injury. Acute climate events and long-term directional climate change can...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

Negative human-bear interactions are a common problem and management priority for many wildlife agencies in North America. Bears are adaptable to anthropogenic activity and food sources which creates opportunities for conflict with humans, including property damage, livestock depredation, and in severe cases, human injury. Acute climate events and long-term directional climate change can exacerbat
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Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)

This data release includes 3 child items with tracking data for caribou, a terrestrial mammal that ranges between the Alaska and Canada. Child Item 1: "GPS Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from the Denali Herd, Alaska, 2010-2018" Child Item 2: "GPS Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from the Fortymile Herd, Alaska, 1998-1999" Child Item 3: "GPS...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center

GPS Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from the Denali Herd, Alaska, 2010-2018 GPS Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from the Denali Herd, Alaska, 2010-2018

GPS collar location data were collected as part of a long-term study on caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) in the Denali herd of Alaska. Collars were deployed on adult (greater than or equal to 2 years) female caribou from 2010-2013, and then refurbished and redeployed on adult (greater than or equal to 4 years) male caribou from 2014-2018. The collars were manufactured by Telonics (TGW...
By
Alaska Science Center

Diet Data from Fecal DNA Metabarcoding and Video Camera Collars from the Porcupine Caribou Herd, Alaska and Yukon Diet Data from Fecal DNA Metabarcoding and Video Camera Collars from the Porcupine Caribou Herd, Alaska and Yukon

These diet data were collected from the Porcupine caribou herd in northern Alaska and Yukon in summer 2021 during 4 periods: calving (occasion 1), post-calving (occasion 2), mosquito harassment (occasion 3), and mid-summer (occasion 4). Diet data was determined by two distinct techniques: DNA metabarcoding data from fecal pellets and video data from camera collars deployed on adult...
By
Alaska Science Center

Hourly Vehicle Traffic Data Associated with Industrial Activity on the North Slope of Alaska During Summers 2019–2020 Hourly Vehicle Traffic Data Associated with Industrial Activity on the North Slope of Alaska During Summers 2019–2020

This dataset contains hourly vehicle traffic counts in the Kuparuk and Milne Point oil fields on the North Slope of Alaska during summers 2019 and 2020. The oil field roads were generally closed to the public during the study period, so traffic was primarily associated with industrial activities. Data were collected using TRAFx vehicle traffic counters (TRAFx Research Ltd, Canmore...
By
Alaska Science Center

Genetic structure of American black bear populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico, 1994-2014 Genetic structure of American black bear populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico, 1994-2014

Microsatellite genotypes for American black bears collected by Gould et al. 2002 and used to assess the genetic structure of American black bear populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. Genotypes are for Ursus americanus individuals.
By
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Predicted Calving and Post-calving Season Resource Use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd During 2012–2018 With Future Projections for the 2030s, 2040s, and 2050s Predicted Calving and Post-calving Season Resource Use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd During 2012–2018 With Future Projections for the 2030s, 2040s, and 2050s

This dataset contains rasters and polygon shapefiles related to predicted resource use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd (PCH) during the calving (26 May-10 June) and post-calving (11-30 June) seasons in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Resource selection was analyzed for each season using random forest models, which compared female caribou GPS collar locations (2012-2018) to available...
By
Alaska Science Center
Arctic vegetation. The large single leaves in front on thick stem, with a few more plants in the background to the left.
Arctic sweet coltsfoot
Arctic sweet coltsfoot
Arctic vegetation. The large single leaves in front on thick stem, with a few more plants in the background to the left.

Arctic sweet coltsfoot

Arctic sweet coltsfoot

The dominant plant in the photo is Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasides frigidus), a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou during the summer in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Arctic vegetation. The large single leaves in front on thick stem, with a few more plants in the background to the left.

Arctic sweet coltsfoot

Arctic sweet coltsfoot

The dominant plant in the photo is Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasides frigidus), a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou during the summer in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Small green shrub in the center with bright red bults on the right-most leaf. Other low lying arctic plants as groundcover.
Netleaf willow
Netleaf willow
Small green shrub in the center with bright red bults on the right-most leaf. Other low lying arctic plants as groundcover.

Netleaf willow

Netleaf willow

Summer photo of Salix reticulata in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. The bright red bulbs on the right leaf are not berries, but galls, likely caused by bacteria, fungi, or insects.

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Small green shrub in the center with bright red bults on the right-most leaf. Other low lying arctic plants as groundcover.

Netleaf willow

Netleaf willow

Summer photo of Salix reticulata in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. The bright red bulbs on the right leaf are not berries, but galls, likely caused by bacteria, fungi, or insects.

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Thick vegetation of slender green leaves on stems. Low shrub in the willow family.
Diamond-leaf willow
Diamond-leaf willow
Thick vegetation of slender green leaves on stems. Low shrub in the willow family.

Diamond-leaf willow

Diamond-leaf willow

Summer photo of diamond-leaf willow (Salix pulchra) in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. 

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Thick vegetation of slender green leaves on stems. Low shrub in the willow family.

Diamond-leaf willow

Diamond-leaf willow

Summer photo of diamond-leaf willow (Salix pulchra) in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. 

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Graphic showing oil pipeline next to road with trucks and semi traffic. Caribou near road with Alaska oil field building.
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska
Graphic showing oil pipeline next to road with trucks and semi traffic. Caribou near road with Alaska oil field building.

Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska

Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska

This is a graphical abstract for the publication by Severson et al. (2023) that investigated the influence of vehicle traffic in Northern Alaska oil fields on summer space use and road crossings of female caribou in the Central Arctic Herd.

By
Alaska Science Center
Graphic showing oil pipeline next to road with trucks and semi traffic. Caribou near road with Alaska oil field building.

Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska

Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska

This is a graphical abstract for the publication by Severson et al. (2023) that investigated the influence of vehicle traffic in Northern Alaska oil fields on summer space use and road crossings of female caribou in the Central Arctic Herd.

By
Alaska Science Center
Scientist talking with students students participating in 2022 Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab.
Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students
Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students
Scientist talking with students students participating in 2022 Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab.

Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students

Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students

Staff from the USGS Alaska Science Center and Volcano Science Center met with a group of high school students on August 3, 2022, in Anchorage who are participating in the 2022 Brown Environmental Leadership Lab. The students traveled throughout southcentral Alaska with a team of instructors to learn ab

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Scientist talking with students students participating in 2022 Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab.

Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students

Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students

Staff from the USGS Alaska Science Center and Volcano Science Center met with a group of high school students on August 3, 2022, in Anchorage who are participating in the 2022 Brown Environmental Leadership Lab. The students traveled throughout southcentral Alaska with a team of instructors to learn ab

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.
Caribou walking along coastal habitat
Caribou walking along coastal habitat
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.

Caribou walking along coastal habitat

Caribou walking along coastal habitat

Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view as she tries to avoid insect harassment by seeking non-vegetated, coastal habitat within the Yukon coastal plain. This video was collected in collaboration with the Yukon Government as part of a study on the influence of summer habit

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.

Caribou walking along coastal habitat

Caribou walking along coastal habitat

Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view as she tries to avoid insect harassment by seeking non-vegetated, coastal habitat within the Yukon coastal plain. This video was collected in collaboration with the Yukon Government as part of a study on the influence of summer habit

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar. Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.

Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads

Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads

This is B-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar feeding on tussock cottongrass in USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, June 13, 2021. 

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.

Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads

Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads

This is B-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar feeding on tussock cottongrass in USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, June 13, 2021. 

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
Background of a misty boreal forest, overlaid with an image of smiling white woman with short brown hair wearing a parka Background of a misty boreal forest, overlaid with an image of smiling white woman with short brown hair wearing a parka
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist
Background of a misty boreal forest, overlaid with an image of smiling white woman with short brown hair wearing a parka

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist

USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.  

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area
Background of a misty boreal forest, overlaid with an image of smiling white woman with short brown hair wearing a parka

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist

USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.  

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area
A misty boreal forest overlaid with an image of a brown-haired white woman in a parka. "Audio Description" icon in corner. A misty boreal forest overlaid with an image of a brown-haired white woman in a parka. "Audio Description" icon in corner.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)
A misty boreal forest overlaid with an image of a brown-haired white woman in a parka. "Audio Description" icon in corner.

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)

USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
A misty boreal forest overlaid with an image of a brown-haired white woman in a parka. "Audio Description" icon in corner.

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)

USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.
Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads
Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.

Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads

Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads

Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view while consuming Eriophorum vaginatum (tussock cottongrass) heads within the coastal plain of the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

By
Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.

Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads

Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads

Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view while consuming Eriophorum vaginatum (tussock cottongrass) heads within the coastal plain of the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

By
Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach. Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.

Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area

Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area

This is b-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar in Yukon coastal habitat, July 7, 2022. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.

Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area

Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area

This is b-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar in Yukon coastal habitat, July 7, 2022. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Filter Total Items: 33

Bears avoid residential neighborhoods in response to the experimental reduction of anthropogenic attractants Bears avoid residential neighborhoods in response to the experimental reduction of anthropogenic attractants

Introduction: Urbanization is an extreme form of land use alteration, with human development driving changes in the distribution of resources available to wildlife. Some large carnivores have learned to exploit anthropogenic food resources in urban development, resulting in human-carnivore conflict that can have detrimental impacts to people and carnivores, as exemplified by American...
Authors
Cassandre Venumière-Lefebvre, Heather Johnson, Stewart Breck, Mathew Alldredge, Kevin Crooks
By
Alaska Science Center

DNA metabarcoding and video camera collars yield different inferences about the summer diet of an arctic ungulate DNA metabarcoding and video camera collars yield different inferences about the summer diet of an arctic ungulate

The diets of wild ungulates are a foundational component of their ecology, influencing their behavior, body condition, and demography. With changing environmental conditions, there is a significant need to identify important forage items for ungulates, but this has often proved challenging. Declines in several barren-ground caribou herds across the North American Arctic have raised...
Authors
Heather Johnson, Gabrielle Lys Coulombe, Layne G. Adams, Colleen Arnison, Perry Barboza, Martin Kienzler, William Leacock, Michael Suitor
By
Alaska Science Center

Marginalizing time in habitat selection and species distribution models improves inference Marginalizing time in habitat selection and species distribution models improves inference

AimRecent methodological advances for studying how animals move and use space with telemetry data have focused on fine-scale, more mechanistic inference. However, in many cases, researchers and managers remain interested in larger scale questions regarding species distribution and habitat use across study areas, landscapes, or seasonal ranges. Point processes offer a unified framework...
Authors
Joseph Eisaguirre, Layne G. Adams, Bridget Borg, Heather Johnson
By
Alaska Science Center

Estimating spatially explicit survival and mortality risk from telemetry data with thinned point process models Estimating spatially explicit survival and mortality risk from telemetry data with thinned point process models

Mortality risk for animals often varies spatially and can be linked to how animals use landscapes. While numerous studies collect telemetry data on animals, the focus is typically on the period when animals are alive, even though there is important information that could be gleaned about mortality risk. We introduce a thinned spatial point process (SPP) modelling framework that couples...
Authors
Joseph Eisaguirre, Medeleine G. Lohman, Graham G. Frye, Heather Johnson, Thomas V. Riecke, Perry Williams
By
Alaska Science Center

From causes of conflict to solutions: Shifting the lens on human–carnivore coexistence research From causes of conflict to solutions: Shifting the lens on human–carnivore coexistence research

Human-carnivore conflicts pose significant challenges in the management and conservation of carnivores across the globe. Abundant research has led to generalizable insights into the causes of such conflicts. For example, conflicts predictably occur when carnivores have access to human food resources, particularly when their natural foods are scarce. However, similar insights into the...
Authors
Kyle Artelle, Heather Johnson, Rebecca McCaffery, Christopher Schell, Tyus Williams, Seth Wilson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Alaska Science Center

A systematic review of the effects of climate variability and change on black and brown bear ecology and interactions with humans A systematic review of the effects of climate variability and change on black and brown bear ecology and interactions with humans

Climate change poses a pervasive threat to humans and wildlife by altering resource availability, changing co-occurrences, and directly or indirectly influencing human-wildlife interactions. For many wildlife agencies in North America, managing bears (Ursus spp.) and human-bear interactions is a priority, yet the direct and indirect effects of climate change are exacerbating management...
Authors
Katherine Kurth, Kate Malpeli, Joseph Clark, Heather Johnson, Frank van Manen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Alaska Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Effects of vehicle traffic on space use and road crossings of caribou in the Arctic Effects of vehicle traffic on space use and road crossings of caribou in the Arctic

Assessing the effects of industrial development on wildlife is a key objective of managers and conservation practitioners. However, wildlife responses are often only investigated with respect to the footprint of infrastructure, even though human activity can strongly mediate development impacts. In Arctic Alaska, there is substantial interest in expanding energy development, raising...
Authors
John Severson, Heather Johnson, Timothy Vosburgh
By
Alaska Science Center

Pleistocene–Holocene vicariance, not Anthropocene landscape change, explains the genetic structure of American black bear (Ursus americanus) populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico Pleistocene–Holocene vicariance, not Anthropocene landscape change, explains the genetic structure of American black bear (Ursus americanus) populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico

The phylogeography of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is characterized by isolation into glacial refugia, followed by population expansion and genetic admixture. Anthropogenic activities, including overharvest, habitat loss, and transportation infrastructure, have also influenced their landscape genetic structure. We describe the genetic structure of the American black bear in...
Authors
Matthew Gould, James Cain, Todd Atwood, Larisa Harding, Heather Johnson, Dave Onorato, Frederic Winslow, Gary W. Roemer
By
Cooperative Research Units, Alaska Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Wildlife population dynamics Wildlife population dynamics

In this chapter we provide an overview of some core concepts, describe exponential growth as the basic foundation for understanding population dynamics, and discuss some of the factors that can affect wildlife population dynamics. We then show how management insights that can be gained from analyzing the dynamics of individual age or stage classes, examine dynamics of multiple...
Authors
L. Mills, Heather Johnson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Survival and reproduction in Arctic caribou are associated with summer forage and insect harassment Survival and reproduction in Arctic caribou are associated with summer forage and insect harassment

Investigators have speculated that the climate-driven “greening of the Arctic” may benefit barren-ground caribou populations, but paradoxically many populations have declined in recent years. This pattern has raised concerns about the influence of summer habitat conditions on caribou demographic rates, and how populations may be impacted in the future. The short Arctic summer provides...
Authors
Heather Johnson, Beth Lenart, Dave Gustine, Layne G. Adams, Perry Barboza
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Why are human-black bear conflicts increasing? Assessing the mechanisms driving conflicts in Durango, Colorado Why are human-black bear conflicts increasing? Assessing the mechanisms driving conflicts in Durango, Colorado

No abstract available.
Authors
Heather Johnson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Dynamic selection for forage quality and quantity in response to phenology and insects in an Arctic ungulate Dynamic selection for forage quality and quantity in response to phenology and insects in an Arctic ungulate

Spatiotemporal variation in forage is a primary driver of ungulate behavior, yet little is known about the nutritional components they select, and how selection varies across the growing season with changes in forage quality and quantity. We addressed these uncertainties in barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus), which experience their most important foraging opportunities during the...
Authors
Heather Johnson, Trevor Golden, Layne G. Adams, David Gustine, Elizabeth Lenart, Perry Barboza
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Kirby, R., H.E. Johnson, M.W. Alldredge, and J.N. Pauli. 2019. The cascading effects of human food on hibernation and cellular aging in free-ranging black bears. Scientific Reports 9:2197. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-38937-5.
Lischka, S. A., T. L. Teel, H. E. Johnson, K. R. Crooks. 2019. Understanding and managing human tolerance for a large carnivore in a residential system. Biological Conservation 238. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2019.07.034.
Wilbur, R. C., S. A. Lischka, J. R. Young, and H. E. Johnson. 2018. Experience, attitudes, and demographic factors influence the probability of reporting human-black bear interactions. Wildlife Society Bulletin 42(1):22-31. doi:10.1002/wsb.854.
Lukacs, P. M., M. S. Mitchell, M. Hebblewhite, B. K. Johnson, H. E. Johnson, M. Kauffman, K. M. Proffitt, P. Zager, J. Brodie, K. Hersey, A. Holland, M. Hurley, S. McCorquodale, A. Middleton, J. Nowak, D. P. Walsh, and P. J. White. 2018. Factors influencing elk recruitment across ecotypes in the western United States. Journal of Wildlife Management 82(4):698-710. doi:10.1002/jwmg.21438 https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.21438.

Johnson, H. E., D. L. Lewis, S. A. Lischka, and S. W. Breck. 2018. Assessing ecological and social outcomes of a bear-proofing experiment. Journal of Wildlife Management 82(6):1102-1114. doi:10.1002/jwmg.21472.
Laufenburg, J. S., H. E. Johnson, P. F. Doherty, Jr, and S. W. Breck. 2018. Compounding effects of human development and a natural food shortage on a black bear population along a human development-wildland interface. Biological Conservation 224:188-198. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2018.05.004.
Lischka, S. A., T. L. Teel, H. E. Johnson, S. E. Reed, S. W. Breck, A. W. Don Carlos, and K. R. Crooks. 2018. A conceptual model for the integration of social and ecological information to understand human-wildlife interactions. Biological Conservation 225:80-87. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2018.06.020.
Johnson, H. E., D. L. Lewis, T. L. Verzuh, C. F. Wallace, R. M. Much, L. K. Willmarth, and S. W. Breck. 2017. Human development and climate affect hibernation in a large carnivore with implications for human-carnivore conflicts. Journal of Applied Ecology 55(2):663-672. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.13021.
Johnson, H. E., J. R. Sushinsky, A. Holland, E. J. Bergman, T. Balzer, J. Garner, and S. E. Reed. 2016. Increases in residential and energy development are associated with reductions in recruitment for a large ungulate. Global Change Biology 23(2):578-591. doi:10.1111/gcb.13385.
Wolfe, L. L., H. E. Johnson, M. C. Fisher, W. R. Lance, D. K. Smith, and M. W. Miller. 2016. Chemical immobilization in American black bears using a combination of nalbuphine, medetomidine, and azaperone. Ursus 27(1):1-4. doi:10.2192/URSUS-D-15-00018.1.
Johnson, H. E., S. W. Breck, S. Baruch-Mordo, D. L. Lewis, C. W. Lackey, K. R. Wilson, J. Broderick, J. S. Mao, and J. P. Beckmann. 2015. Shifting perceptions of risk and reward: dynamic selection for human development by black bears in the western United States. Biological Conservation 187:164-172. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2015.04.014.
Wolfe, L. L., H. E. Johnson, M. C. Fisher, M. A. Sirochman, B. Kraft, and M. W. Miller. 2014. Evaluation of an acepromazine and medetomidine combination (AcMe) for immobilization of Rocky Mountain elk and black bears. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 50(4):979-981. doi:10.7589/2014-02-052.
Johnson, H. E., J. W. Fischer, M. Hammond, P. D. Dorsey, W. D. Walter, C. Anderson, and K. C. VerCauteren. 2014. Evaluation of techniques to reduce deer and elk damage to agricultural resources. Wildlife Society Bulletin 38(2):358-365. doi: 10.1002/wsb.408.
Brodie, J., H. E. Johnson, M. Mitchell, P. Zager, K. M. Proffitt, M. Hebblewhite, M. Kauffman, B. A. Johnson, J. A. Bissonette, C. Bishop, J. Gude, K. Hersey, M. Hurley, P. M. Lukacs, S. McCorquodale, E. McIntire, J. Nowak, H. Sawyer, D. K. Smith, and P. J. White. 2013. Relative influence of human harvest, carnivores, and weather on adult female elk survival across western North America. Journal of Applied Ecology 50(2):295-305. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12044.
Johnson, H. E., M. Hebblewhite, T. R. Stephenson, D. W. German, B. M. Pierce, and V. C. Bleich. 2013. Evaluating apparent competition in limiting the recovery of an endangered ungulate. Oecologia 171(1):295-307. doi:10.1007/s00442-012-2397-6.
Johnson, H. E., L. S. Mills, J. D. Wehausen, T. R. Stephenson, and G. Luikart. 2011. Translating effects of inbreeding depression on component vital rates to overall population growth in endangered bighorn sheep. Conservation Biology 25(6):1240-1249. doi:10.1111/j.1523-1739.2011.01739.x.
Cahn, M. L., M. M. Conner, O. J. Schmitz, T. R. Stephenson, J. D. Wehausen, and H. E. Johnson. 2011. Disease, population viability, and recovery of endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Journal of Wildlife Management 75(8):1753-1766. doi:10.1002/jwmg.232.
Johnson, H. E., L. S. Mills, T. R. Stephenson, and J. D. Wehausen. 2010. Population-specific vital rate contributions influence management of an endangered ungulate. Ecological Applications 20(6):1753-765. doi:10.1890/09-1107.1.
Johnson, H. E., L. S. Mills, J. D. Wehausen, and T. R. Stephenson. 2010. Combining ground count, telemetry, and mark–resight data to infer population dynamics in an endangered species. Journal of Applied Ecology 47(5):1083-1093. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01846.x.
Bleich, V. C., H. E. Johnson, S. A. Holl, L. Konde, S. G. Torres, and P. R. Krausman. 2008. Fire history in a chaparral ecosystem: implications for conservation of a native ungulate. Rangeland Ecology and Management 61(6):571-579. doi:10.2111/07-016.1.
Johnson, H. E., V. C. Bleich, P. R. Krausman, and J. L. Koprowski. 2007. Effects of antler breakage on mating behavior in male tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes). European Journal of Wildlife Research 53(1):9-15. doi:10.1007/s10344-006-0060-4.
Johnson, H. E., V. C. Bleich, and P. R. Krausman. 2005. Antler breakage in tule elk, Owens Valley. Journal of Wildlife Management 69(4):1747-1752. doi:10.2193/0022-541X(2005)69[1747:ABITEO]2.0.CO;2.
Cain, J. W., III, H. E. Johnson, and P. R. Krausman. 2005. Wildfire and desert bighorn sheep habitat. Southwestern Naturalist 50(4):506-513. doi:10.1894/0038-4909(2005)050[0506:WADBSH]2.0.CO;2.
Johnson, H. E., S. A. Lischka, J. Broderick, J. Apker, S. W. Breck, J. P. Beckmann, K. R. Wilson, and P. D. Dorsey. 2016. Black bear exploitation of urban environments: finding management solutions and assessing regional population effects. Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife Federal Aid Project No. W-204-R4, 21 p.
Johnson, H. E., P. D. Dorsey, M. Hammond, C. M. Bishop, K. C. VerCauteren, and C. Anderson, and D. Walter. 2013. Evaluating solutions to reduce elk and deer damage on agricultural resources. Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Federal Aid Wildlife Research Report.
Mills, L. S. and H. E. Johnson. 2013. Wildlife population dynamics. Pages 84-111 in P. R. Krausman, and J. W. Cain III, editors. Wildlife management and conservation: contemporary principles and practices. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Johnson, H. E. 2010. Escaping the extinction vortex: identifying factors affecting population performance and recovery in endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Dissertation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 243 p.
Johnson, H. E. 2006. Effects of translocations on Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep population viability. California Department of Fish and Game Technical Report, Bishop, CA.
Johnson, H. E., V. C. Bleich, and T. R. Stephenson. 2005. Habitat selection by mountain sheep and mule deer: understanding ecosystem health from the desert to the alpine. California Dept. of Fish and Game, University of California Davis Wildlife Health Center Resource Assessment Program. Final Report.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Science and Products

Caribou grazing near the Dalton Highway in the northern part of Alaska.

Changing Arctic Ecosystems

Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Changing Arctic Ecosystems

Changing Arctic Ecosystems

Arctic regions of Alaska are important for cultural and economic sustainability and host a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which are of conservation and management interest to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS and collaborators provide information about Arctic ecosystems that are used by Arctic residents, management agencies, and industry.
Learn More
Caribou roaming the Arctic Coastal Plain

Terrestrial Mammal Research

Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Terrestrial Mammal Research

Terrestrial Mammal Research

Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
Learn More
Mother and young caribou on Yukon-Alaska border

Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)

Available here are tracking data of Caribou, an ungulate that ranges between the Alaska Peninsula, up through interior Alaska and the Arctic Coastal Plain, and over to the Yukon Territory. These data were collected from animals living in three different herds including the Fortymile herd, Nelchina herd, and Denali herd.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)

Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)

Available here are tracking data of Caribou, an ungulate that ranges between the Alaska Peninsula, up through interior Alaska and the Arctic Coastal Plain, and over to the Yukon Territory. These data were collected from animals living in three different herds including the Fortymile herd, Nelchina herd, and Denali herd.
Learn More

The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

Negative human-bear interactions are a common problem and management priority for many wildlife agencies in North America. Bears are adaptable to anthropogenic activity and food sources which creates opportunities for conflict with humans, including property damage, livestock depredation, and in severe cases, human injury. Acute climate events and long-term directional climate change can...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

The Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human-Bear Interactions in North America

Negative human-bear interactions are a common problem and management priority for many wildlife agencies in North America. Bears are adaptable to anthropogenic activity and food sources which creates opportunities for conflict with humans, including property damage, livestock depredation, and in severe cases, human injury. Acute climate events and long-term directional climate change can exacerbat
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Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)

This data release includes 3 child items with tracking data for caribou, a terrestrial mammal that ranges between the Alaska and Canada. Child Item 1: "GPS Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from the Denali Herd, Alaska, 2010-2018" Child Item 2: "GPS Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from the Fortymile Herd, Alaska, 1998-1999" Child Item 3: "GPS...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center

GPS Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from the Denali Herd, Alaska, 2010-2018 GPS Tracking Data for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from the Denali Herd, Alaska, 2010-2018

GPS collar location data were collected as part of a long-term study on caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) in the Denali herd of Alaska. Collars were deployed on adult (greater than or equal to 2 years) female caribou from 2010-2013, and then refurbished and redeployed on adult (greater than or equal to 4 years) male caribou from 2014-2018. The collars were manufactured by Telonics (TGW...
By
Alaska Science Center

Diet Data from Fecal DNA Metabarcoding and Video Camera Collars from the Porcupine Caribou Herd, Alaska and Yukon Diet Data from Fecal DNA Metabarcoding and Video Camera Collars from the Porcupine Caribou Herd, Alaska and Yukon

These diet data were collected from the Porcupine caribou herd in northern Alaska and Yukon in summer 2021 during 4 periods: calving (occasion 1), post-calving (occasion 2), mosquito harassment (occasion 3), and mid-summer (occasion 4). Diet data was determined by two distinct techniques: DNA metabarcoding data from fecal pellets and video data from camera collars deployed on adult...
By
Alaska Science Center

Hourly Vehicle Traffic Data Associated with Industrial Activity on the North Slope of Alaska During Summers 2019–2020 Hourly Vehicle Traffic Data Associated with Industrial Activity on the North Slope of Alaska During Summers 2019–2020

This dataset contains hourly vehicle traffic counts in the Kuparuk and Milne Point oil fields on the North Slope of Alaska during summers 2019 and 2020. The oil field roads were generally closed to the public during the study period, so traffic was primarily associated with industrial activities. Data were collected using TRAFx vehicle traffic counters (TRAFx Research Ltd, Canmore...
By
Alaska Science Center

Genetic structure of American black bear populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico, 1994-2014 Genetic structure of American black bear populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico, 1994-2014

Microsatellite genotypes for American black bears collected by Gould et al. 2002 and used to assess the genetic structure of American black bear populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. Genotypes are for Ursus americanus individuals.
By
Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Predicted Calving and Post-calving Season Resource Use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd During 2012–2018 With Future Projections for the 2030s, 2040s, and 2050s Predicted Calving and Post-calving Season Resource Use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd During 2012–2018 With Future Projections for the 2030s, 2040s, and 2050s

This dataset contains rasters and polygon shapefiles related to predicted resource use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd (PCH) during the calving (26 May-10 June) and post-calving (11-30 June) seasons in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Resource selection was analyzed for each season using random forest models, which compared female caribou GPS collar locations (2012-2018) to available...
By
Alaska Science Center
Arctic vegetation. The large single leaves in front on thick stem, with a few more plants in the background to the left.
Arctic sweet coltsfoot
Arctic sweet coltsfoot
Arctic vegetation. The large single leaves in front on thick stem, with a few more plants in the background to the left.

Arctic sweet coltsfoot

Arctic sweet coltsfoot

The dominant plant in the photo is Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasides frigidus), a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou during the summer in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Arctic vegetation. The large single leaves in front on thick stem, with a few more plants in the background to the left.

Arctic sweet coltsfoot

Arctic sweet coltsfoot

The dominant plant in the photo is Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasides frigidus), a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou during the summer in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Small green shrub in the center with bright red bults on the right-most leaf. Other low lying arctic plants as groundcover.
Netleaf willow
Netleaf willow
Small green shrub in the center with bright red bults on the right-most leaf. Other low lying arctic plants as groundcover.

Netleaf willow

Netleaf willow

Summer photo of Salix reticulata in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. The bright red bulbs on the right leaf are not berries, but galls, likely caused by bacteria, fungi, or insects.

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Small green shrub in the center with bright red bults on the right-most leaf. Other low lying arctic plants as groundcover.

Netleaf willow

Netleaf willow

Summer photo of Salix reticulata in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. The bright red bulbs on the right leaf are not berries, but galls, likely caused by bacteria, fungi, or insects.

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Thick vegetation of slender green leaves on stems. Low shrub in the willow family.
Diamond-leaf willow
Diamond-leaf willow
Thick vegetation of slender green leaves on stems. Low shrub in the willow family.

Diamond-leaf willow

Diamond-leaf willow

Summer photo of diamond-leaf willow (Salix pulchra) in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. 

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Thick vegetation of slender green leaves on stems. Low shrub in the willow family.

Diamond-leaf willow

Diamond-leaf willow

Summer photo of diamond-leaf willow (Salix pulchra) in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. 

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Graphic showing oil pipeline next to road with trucks and semi traffic. Caribou near road with Alaska oil field building.
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska
Graphic showing oil pipeline next to road with trucks and semi traffic. Caribou near road with Alaska oil field building.

Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska

Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska

This is a graphical abstract for the publication by Severson et al. (2023) that investigated the influence of vehicle traffic in Northern Alaska oil fields on summer space use and road crossings of female caribou in the Central Arctic Herd.

By
Alaska Science Center
Graphic showing oil pipeline next to road with trucks and semi traffic. Caribou near road with Alaska oil field building.

Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska

Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska

This is a graphical abstract for the publication by Severson et al. (2023) that investigated the influence of vehicle traffic in Northern Alaska oil fields on summer space use and road crossings of female caribou in the Central Arctic Herd.

By
Alaska Science Center
Scientist talking with students students participating in 2022 Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab.
Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students
Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students
Scientist talking with students students participating in 2022 Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab.

Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students

Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students

Staff from the USGS Alaska Science Center and Volcano Science Center met with a group of high school students on August 3, 2022, in Anchorage who are participating in the 2022 Brown Environmental Leadership Lab. The students traveled throughout southcentral Alaska with a team of instructors to learn ab

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Scientist talking with students students participating in 2022 Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab.

Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students

Heather Johnson speaks to Brown University Environmental Leadership Lab Students

Staff from the USGS Alaska Science Center and Volcano Science Center met with a group of high school students on August 3, 2022, in Anchorage who are participating in the 2022 Brown Environmental Leadership Lab. The students traveled throughout southcentral Alaska with a team of instructors to learn ab

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.
Caribou walking along coastal habitat
Caribou walking along coastal habitat
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.

Caribou walking along coastal habitat

Caribou walking along coastal habitat

Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view as she tries to avoid insect harassment by seeking non-vegetated, coastal habitat within the Yukon coastal plain. This video was collected in collaboration with the Yukon Government as part of a study on the influence of summer habit

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.

Caribou walking along coastal habitat

Caribou walking along coastal habitat

Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view as she tries to avoid insect harassment by seeking non-vegetated, coastal habitat within the Yukon coastal plain. This video was collected in collaboration with the Yukon Government as part of a study on the influence of summer habit

By
Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar. Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.

Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads

Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads

This is B-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar feeding on tussock cottongrass in USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, June 13, 2021. 

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.

Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads

Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads

This is B-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar feeding on tussock cottongrass in USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, June 13, 2021. 

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
Background of a misty boreal forest, overlaid with an image of smiling white woman with short brown hair wearing a parka Background of a misty boreal forest, overlaid with an image of smiling white woman with short brown hair wearing a parka
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist
Background of a misty boreal forest, overlaid with an image of smiling white woman with short brown hair wearing a parka

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist

USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.  

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area
Background of a misty boreal forest, overlaid with an image of smiling white woman with short brown hair wearing a parka

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist

USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.  

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area
A misty boreal forest overlaid with an image of a brown-haired white woman in a parka. "Audio Description" icon in corner. A misty boreal forest overlaid with an image of a brown-haired white woman in a parka. "Audio Description" icon in corner.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)
A misty boreal forest overlaid with an image of a brown-haired white woman in a parka. "Audio Description" icon in corner.

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)

USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
A misty boreal forest overlaid with an image of a brown-haired white woman in a parka. "Audio Description" icon in corner.

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)

Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist (AD)

USGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.
Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads
Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.

Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads

Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads

Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view while consuming Eriophorum vaginatum (tussock cottongrass) heads within the coastal plain of the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

By
Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she is eats tussock cottongrass with a GPS-enabled video camera attached to collar.

Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads

Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads

Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view while consuming Eriophorum vaginatum (tussock cottongrass) heads within the coastal plain of the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

By
Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach. Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.

Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area

Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area

This is b-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar in Yukon coastal habitat, July 7, 2022. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Looking at underneath of caribou face as she and other caribou walk on beach. Sand and small rocks on beach.

Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area

Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area

This is b-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar in Yukon coastal habitat, July 7, 2022. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Filter Total Items: 33

Bears avoid residential neighborhoods in response to the experimental reduction of anthropogenic attractants Bears avoid residential neighborhoods in response to the experimental reduction of anthropogenic attractants

Introduction: Urbanization is an extreme form of land use alteration, with human development driving changes in the distribution of resources available to wildlife. Some large carnivores have learned to exploit anthropogenic food resources in urban development, resulting in human-carnivore conflict that can have detrimental impacts to people and carnivores, as exemplified by American...
Authors
Cassandre Venumière-Lefebvre, Heather Johnson, Stewart Breck, Mathew Alldredge, Kevin Crooks
By
Alaska Science Center

DNA metabarcoding and video camera collars yield different inferences about the summer diet of an arctic ungulate DNA metabarcoding and video camera collars yield different inferences about the summer diet of an arctic ungulate

The diets of wild ungulates are a foundational component of their ecology, influencing their behavior, body condition, and demography. With changing environmental conditions, there is a significant need to identify important forage items for ungulates, but this has often proved challenging. Declines in several barren-ground caribou herds across the North American Arctic have raised...
Authors
Heather Johnson, Gabrielle Lys Coulombe, Layne G. Adams, Colleen Arnison, Perry Barboza, Martin Kienzler, William Leacock, Michael Suitor
By
Alaska Science Center

Marginalizing time in habitat selection and species distribution models improves inference Marginalizing time in habitat selection and species distribution models improves inference

AimRecent methodological advances for studying how animals move and use space with telemetry data have focused on fine-scale, more mechanistic inference. However, in many cases, researchers and managers remain interested in larger scale questions regarding species distribution and habitat use across study areas, landscapes, or seasonal ranges. Point processes offer a unified framework...
Authors
Joseph Eisaguirre, Layne G. Adams, Bridget Borg, Heather Johnson
By
Alaska Science Center

Estimating spatially explicit survival and mortality risk from telemetry data with thinned point process models Estimating spatially explicit survival and mortality risk from telemetry data with thinned point process models

Mortality risk for animals often varies spatially and can be linked to how animals use landscapes. While numerous studies collect telemetry data on animals, the focus is typically on the period when animals are alive, even though there is important information that could be gleaned about mortality risk. We introduce a thinned spatial point process (SPP) modelling framework that couples...
Authors
Joseph Eisaguirre, Medeleine G. Lohman, Graham G. Frye, Heather Johnson, Thomas V. Riecke, Perry Williams
By
Alaska Science Center

From causes of conflict to solutions: Shifting the lens on human–carnivore coexistence research From causes of conflict to solutions: Shifting the lens on human–carnivore coexistence research

Human-carnivore conflicts pose significant challenges in the management and conservation of carnivores across the globe. Abundant research has led to generalizable insights into the causes of such conflicts. For example, conflicts predictably occur when carnivores have access to human food resources, particularly when their natural foods are scarce. However, similar insights into the...
Authors
Kyle Artelle, Heather Johnson, Rebecca McCaffery, Christopher Schell, Tyus Williams, Seth Wilson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Alaska Science Center

A systematic review of the effects of climate variability and change on black and brown bear ecology and interactions with humans A systematic review of the effects of climate variability and change on black and brown bear ecology and interactions with humans

Climate change poses a pervasive threat to humans and wildlife by altering resource availability, changing co-occurrences, and directly or indirectly influencing human-wildlife interactions. For many wildlife agencies in North America, managing bears (Ursus spp.) and human-bear interactions is a priority, yet the direct and indirect effects of climate change are exacerbating management...
Authors
Katherine Kurth, Kate Malpeli, Joseph Clark, Heather Johnson, Frank van Manen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Alaska Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

Effects of vehicle traffic on space use and road crossings of caribou in the Arctic Effects of vehicle traffic on space use and road crossings of caribou in the Arctic

Assessing the effects of industrial development on wildlife is a key objective of managers and conservation practitioners. However, wildlife responses are often only investigated with respect to the footprint of infrastructure, even though human activity can strongly mediate development impacts. In Arctic Alaska, there is substantial interest in expanding energy development, raising...
Authors
John Severson, Heather Johnson, Timothy Vosburgh
By
Alaska Science Center

Pleistocene–Holocene vicariance, not Anthropocene landscape change, explains the genetic structure of American black bear (Ursus americanus) populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico Pleistocene–Holocene vicariance, not Anthropocene landscape change, explains the genetic structure of American black bear (Ursus americanus) populations in the American Southwest and northern Mexico

The phylogeography of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is characterized by isolation into glacial refugia, followed by population expansion and genetic admixture. Anthropogenic activities, including overharvest, habitat loss, and transportation infrastructure, have also influenced their landscape genetic structure. We describe the genetic structure of the American black bear in...
Authors
Matthew Gould, James Cain, Todd Atwood, Larisa Harding, Heather Johnson, Dave Onorato, Frederic Winslow, Gary W. Roemer
By
Cooperative Research Units, Alaska Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Wildlife population dynamics Wildlife population dynamics

In this chapter we provide an overview of some core concepts, describe exponential growth as the basic foundation for understanding population dynamics, and discuss some of the factors that can affect wildlife population dynamics. We then show how management insights that can be gained from analyzing the dynamics of individual age or stage classes, examine dynamics of multiple...
Authors
L. Mills, Heather Johnson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Survival and reproduction in Arctic caribou are associated with summer forage and insect harassment Survival and reproduction in Arctic caribou are associated with summer forage and insect harassment

Investigators have speculated that the climate-driven “greening of the Arctic” may benefit barren-ground caribou populations, but paradoxically many populations have declined in recent years. This pattern has raised concerns about the influence of summer habitat conditions on caribou demographic rates, and how populations may be impacted in the future. The short Arctic summer provides...
Authors
Heather Johnson, Beth Lenart, Dave Gustine, Layne G. Adams, Perry Barboza
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Why are human-black bear conflicts increasing? Assessing the mechanisms driving conflicts in Durango, Colorado Why are human-black bear conflicts increasing? Assessing the mechanisms driving conflicts in Durango, Colorado

No abstract available.
Authors
Heather Johnson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Dynamic selection for forage quality and quantity in response to phenology and insects in an Arctic ungulate Dynamic selection for forage quality and quantity in response to phenology and insects in an Arctic ungulate

Spatiotemporal variation in forage is a primary driver of ungulate behavior, yet little is known about the nutritional components they select, and how selection varies across the growing season with changes in forage quality and quantity. We addressed these uncertainties in barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus), which experience their most important foraging opportunities during the...
Authors
Heather Johnson, Trevor Golden, Layne G. Adams, David Gustine, Elizabeth Lenart, Perry Barboza
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Kirby, R., H.E. Johnson, M.W. Alldredge, and J.N. Pauli. 2019. The cascading effects of human food on hibernation and cellular aging in free-ranging black bears. Scientific Reports 9:2197. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-38937-5.
Lischka, S. A., T. L. Teel, H. E. Johnson, K. R. Crooks. 2019. Understanding and managing human tolerance for a large carnivore in a residential system. Biological Conservation 238. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2019.07.034.
Wilbur, R. C., S. A. Lischka, J. R. Young, and H. E. Johnson. 2018. Experience, attitudes, and demographic factors influence the probability of reporting human-black bear interactions. Wildlife Society Bulletin 42(1):22-31. doi:10.1002/wsb.854.
Lukacs, P. M., M. S. Mitchell, M. Hebblewhite, B. K. Johnson, H. E. Johnson, M. Kauffman, K. M. Proffitt, P. Zager, J. Brodie, K. Hersey, A. Holland, M. Hurley, S. McCorquodale, A. Middleton, J. Nowak, D. P. Walsh, and P. J. White. 2018. Factors influencing elk recruitment across ecotypes in the western United States. Journal of Wildlife Management 82(4):698-710. doi:10.1002/jwmg.21438 https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.21438.

Johnson, H. E., D. L. Lewis, S. A. Lischka, and S. W. Breck. 2018. Assessing ecological and social outcomes of a bear-proofing experiment. Journal of Wildlife Management 82(6):1102-1114. doi:10.1002/jwmg.21472.
Laufenburg, J. S., H. E. Johnson, P. F. Doherty, Jr, and S. W. Breck. 2018. Compounding effects of human development and a natural food shortage on a black bear population along a human development-wildland interface. Biological Conservation 224:188-198. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2018.05.004.
Lischka, S. A., T. L. Teel, H. E. Johnson, S. E. Reed, S. W. Breck, A. W. Don Carlos, and K. R. Crooks. 2018. A conceptual model for the integration of social and ecological information to understand human-wildlife interactions. Biological Conservation 225:80-87. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2018.06.020.
Johnson, H. E., D. L. Lewis, T. L. Verzuh, C. F. Wallace, R. M. Much, L. K. Willmarth, and S. W. Breck. 2017. Human development and climate affect hibernation in a large carnivore with implications for human-carnivore conflicts. Journal of Applied Ecology 55(2):663-672. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.13021.
Johnson, H. E., J. R. Sushinsky, A. Holland, E. J. Bergman, T. Balzer, J. Garner, and S. E. Reed. 2016. Increases in residential and energy development are associated with reductions in recruitment for a large ungulate. Global Change Biology 23(2):578-591. doi:10.1111/gcb.13385.
Wolfe, L. L., H. E. Johnson, M. C. Fisher, W. R. Lance, D. K. Smith, and M. W. Miller. 2016. Chemical immobilization in American black bears using a combination of nalbuphine, medetomidine, and azaperone. Ursus 27(1):1-4. doi:10.2192/URSUS-D-15-00018.1.
Johnson, H. E., S. W. Breck, S. Baruch-Mordo, D. L. Lewis, C. W. Lackey, K. R. Wilson, J. Broderick, J. S. Mao, and J. P. Beckmann. 2015. Shifting perceptions of risk and reward: dynamic selection for human development by black bears in the western United States. Biological Conservation 187:164-172. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2015.04.014.
Wolfe, L. L., H. E. Johnson, M. C. Fisher, M. A. Sirochman, B. Kraft, and M. W. Miller. 2014. Evaluation of an acepromazine and medetomidine combination (AcMe) for immobilization of Rocky Mountain elk and black bears. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 50(4):979-981. doi:10.7589/2014-02-052.
Johnson, H. E., J. W. Fischer, M. Hammond, P. D. Dorsey, W. D. Walter, C. Anderson, and K. C. VerCauteren. 2014. Evaluation of techniques to reduce deer and elk damage to agricultural resources. Wildlife Society Bulletin 38(2):358-365. doi: 10.1002/wsb.408.
Brodie, J., H. E. Johnson, M. Mitchell, P. Zager, K. M. Proffitt, M. Hebblewhite, M. Kauffman, B. A. Johnson, J. A. Bissonette, C. Bishop, J. Gude, K. Hersey, M. Hurley, P. M. Lukacs, S. McCorquodale, E. McIntire, J. Nowak, H. Sawyer, D. K. Smith, and P. J. White. 2013. Relative influence of human harvest, carnivores, and weather on adult female elk survival across western North America. Journal of Applied Ecology 50(2):295-305. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12044.
Johnson, H. E., M. Hebblewhite, T. R. Stephenson, D. W. German, B. M. Pierce, and V. C. Bleich. 2013. Evaluating apparent competition in limiting the recovery of an endangered ungulate. Oecologia 171(1):295-307. doi:10.1007/s00442-012-2397-6.
Johnson, H. E., L. S. Mills, J. D. Wehausen, T. R. Stephenson, and G. Luikart. 2011. Translating effects of inbreeding depression on component vital rates to overall population growth in endangered bighorn sheep. Conservation Biology 25(6):1240-1249. doi:10.1111/j.1523-1739.2011.01739.x.
Cahn, M. L., M. M. Conner, O. J. Schmitz, T. R. Stephenson, J. D. Wehausen, and H. E. Johnson. 2011. Disease, population viability, and recovery of endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Journal of Wildlife Management 75(8):1753-1766. doi:10.1002/jwmg.232.
Johnson, H. E., L. S. Mills, T. R. Stephenson, and J. D. Wehausen. 2010. Population-specific vital rate contributions influence management of an endangered ungulate. Ecological Applications 20(6):1753-765. doi:10.1890/09-1107.1.
Johnson, H. E., L. S. Mills, J. D. Wehausen, and T. R. Stephenson. 2010. Combining ground count, telemetry, and mark–resight data to infer population dynamics in an endangered species. Journal of Applied Ecology 47(5):1083-1093. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01846.x.
Bleich, V. C., H. E. Johnson, S. A. Holl, L. Konde, S. G. Torres, and P. R. Krausman. 2008. Fire history in a chaparral ecosystem: implications for conservation of a native ungulate. Rangeland Ecology and Management 61(6):571-579. doi:10.2111/07-016.1.
Johnson, H. E., V. C. Bleich, P. R. Krausman, and J. L. Koprowski. 2007. Effects of antler breakage on mating behavior in male tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes). European Journal of Wildlife Research 53(1):9-15. doi:10.1007/s10344-006-0060-4.
Johnson, H. E., V. C. Bleich, and P. R. Krausman. 2005. Antler breakage in tule elk, Owens Valley. Journal of Wildlife Management 69(4):1747-1752. doi:10.2193/0022-541X(2005)69[1747:ABITEO]2.0.CO;2.
Cain, J. W., III, H. E. Johnson, and P. R. Krausman. 2005. Wildfire and desert bighorn sheep habitat. Southwestern Naturalist 50(4):506-513. doi:10.1894/0038-4909(2005)050[0506:WADBSH]2.0.CO;2.
Johnson, H. E., S. A. Lischka, J. Broderick, J. Apker, S. W. Breck, J. P. Beckmann, K. R. Wilson, and P. D. Dorsey. 2016. Black bear exploitation of urban environments: finding management solutions and assessing regional population effects. Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife Federal Aid Project No. W-204-R4, 21 p.
Johnson, H. E., P. D. Dorsey, M. Hammond, C. M. Bishop, K. C. VerCauteren, and C. Anderson, and D. Walter. 2013. Evaluating solutions to reduce elk and deer damage on agricultural resources. Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Federal Aid Wildlife Research Report.
Mills, L. S. and H. E. Johnson. 2013. Wildlife population dynamics. Pages 84-111 in P. R. Krausman, and J. W. Cain III, editors. Wildlife management and conservation: contemporary principles and practices. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Johnson, H. E. 2010. Escaping the extinction vortex: identifying factors affecting population performance and recovery in endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Dissertation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 243 p.
Johnson, H. E. 2006. Effects of translocations on Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep population viability. California Department of Fish and Game Technical Report, Bishop, CA.
Johnson, H. E., V. C. Bleich, and T. R. Stephenson. 2005. Habitat selection by mountain sheep and mule deer: understanding ecosystem health from the desert to the alpine. California Dept. of Fish and Game, University of California Davis Wildlife Health Center Resource Assessment Program. Final Report.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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