CNC researchers ask people to collect and send in samples, the fresher the better
The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is seeking to scoop up some valuable data on urban bears’ activity for an important wildlife research project.
CNC is asking people to help clean up after urban bears and send the droppings to the college for examination.
“Pick it up just like you would dog poop,” said Vanessa Fetterly, senior researcher with CNC Research Forest. “We only need a small amount, about the size of a golf ball, and the fresher, the better.”
The project, now in its second year, is expanding through a partnership with the Calgary Zoo, adding the ability to provide scientific comparisons to better understand bear behaviour and stress levels.
CNC stated that the project saw strong support in its first year, with more than 66 people contributing more than 130 samples from places like College Heights, downtown, Moore’s Meadow and Ginter’s Meadow.
“We were thrilled with the level of engagement from the community last year,” said Fetterly. “Every sample helps us better understand where bears are spending time, whether those interactions are positive or negative, and how we can make Prince George safer for both people and wildlife.”
Analyzing the samples allows researchers to determine whether bears are male or female, assess their stress levels and identify patterns in their urban behaviour.
Through the partnership with the Calgary Zoo, the samples and information on bear habits can then be compared with samples from wild bears, with the zoo’s captive bears living in a lower-stress environment
“If bears in the city are experiencing higher stress, it can influence behaviour and increase the risk of negative encounters,” said Fetterly.
CNC stated that the ultimate goal of this project is to identify areas in and around the city with high bear activity and understand what may be attracting them to these areas in order to develop better strategies to deal with them.
“Being bear-smart makes our community safer,” added Fetterly. “This project is a unique way for people to directly contribute to that.”
There are two ways for those interested to participate if they find a suitable sample that they wish to donate.
Take a photo: Take a photo of it and text it, along with the general location, to 778-349-4813, and the research team will collect the sample
Personal delivery: Collect the sample with a bag and drop it off at the designated “bear poop fridge,” which is located beside the geodome greenhouse near the ATCO trailer at CNC’s Prince George campus
Those who decide to turn in a sample are asked to:
Take a photo of the sample before collecting
Collect a small amount (golf-ball size is plenty)
Label the bag with the date and general location (street name only)
Store samples in a freezer or cooler if they can’t be delivered right away
If you happen to capture images of the bears doing their business on a trail or security camera, send those images in as well.
Samples will be accepted until bears begin their hibernation in late October.