Tracking Grizzlies: A Collaborative Initiative in British Columbia
Following the closure of licensed grizzly bear hunting, bear density and activity have noticeably increased, raising concerns about their impact on ungulate populations. SCIF acknowledges the complexities of managing large carnivores and the necessity for precise data to manage these species effectively. In collaboration with the Tahltan Central Government, teams are actively working in the field to deploy GPS/video collars on grizzlies. This initiative aims to gather essential data for informed decision-making concerning the rising bear populations.
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In 2018, the Government of British Columbia decided to end licensed grizzly bear hunting, which has led to noticeable increases in bear density and activity. This increase has raised concerns about its impact on ungulate populations, crucial both culturally and nutritionally to the Tahltan people. Since 2019, the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) has intensified its predator management efforts through improved policies and management frameworks. TCG has independently monitored moose, caribou, and wolves to provide data to the province of British Columbia. In 2023, the shared information supported wildlife regulation proposals, highlighting ongoing trends of high wolf densities, and decreasing moose and caribou population demographics.
SCI Foundation (SCIF) North American carnivore program recognizes the challenges of managing large carnivores and supports wildlife management authorities by addressing gaps in knowledge needed to manage these species effectively. In partnership with SCIF, TCG aims to gather crucial data necessary for making informed decisions regarding growing grizzly bear populations.
The initial step involves deploying up to 20 GPS/video collars on grizzly bears to track their movements, habitat use, foraging areas, and predation patterns. SCIF crews are currently in BC working on deploying collars. Collars will remain on the bears throughout the caribou calving season. These collars will then be remotely released, allowing for the recovery and analysis of all recorded video content.
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