Grizzly Bear Update!

Do you know which bear lives in North America, is called Ursus arctos horribilis in Latin, and can weigh over 300 kilograms? If you guessed ‘grizzly bear,’ you’re right!  Grizzlies are amazing animals that need our help. That’s why we’re so excited to tell you about a project we’re supporting that will benefit grizzly bears and other Yukon wildlife!

Meet the Scientists!
Who are the clever people behind this project? Meet Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Canada scientist, Chrystal Mantyka-Pringle and WCS Canada Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Daniel Yip. These brilliant scientists are working on a team being led by the Yukon Government Department of Environment and the First Nation of Na‐Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND). This great group of people has one goal in mind: to learn more about grizzly bears and the land where they live. 

Say Cheese!
But how can scientists learn more about grizzly bears without putting themselves in danger? With remote cameras, of course! The cameras are attached to trees, and they’re a non-invasive way to keep track of how people’s presence (like on roads or in mining sites) and changes to the landscape affect wildlife. The project will last for three years. At the end of 2022, the scientists will be able to use the images they’ve captured to figure out how often grizzly bears (and other wildlife) appear at each camera site, and relate that information to any changes to the landscape or disturbances to their habitat. 

The Goal
It’s really important to learn more about grizzly bears in particular because, sadly, grizzly bear populations have declined by over 50% since the 1800s. By learning about how human influence on the landscape affects grizzlies, we can make sure to take extra special care in the future before we develop or construct anything in grizzly bear territory. And that, Earth Rangers, is a win for our fantastic furry friends!

And Remember…
We couldn’t do any of these amazing projects without the support of exceptional Earth Rangers like you. If you want to help protect and save wildlife, it’s as easy as adopting an animal on the Earth Rangers app. Visit today to learn more!

Proudly supported by:

T-Gear Foundation

In collaboration with: