How many bears are there in CT? Here’s what it takes to find out.
Summary
Researchers in Connecticut are conducting a scientific survey to estimate the number of black bears in the state for the first time in over ten years. They collect bear hair samples using barbed wire traps and analyze the DNA to identify individual bears and estimate their population.Key Facts
- The survey is a joint project between Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Mississippi State University’s Carnivore and Population Ecology Lab.
- Researchers use barbed wire traps set up around the state to collect hair samples from bears without feeding them.
- The traps use smells like used doughnut grease and raspberry extract to attract bears by curiosity, not food reward.
- Hair samples are gathered daily by a 10-person research team and sent to a lab for DNA testing.
- DNA helps identify individual bears and how often they appear in different areas to estimate population size.
- This method is similar to forensic identification used in humans to match DNA samples.
- Black bears in the northeast may have different fur colors, but are mostly black with brown muzzles or white chest marks.
- The study aims to update bear population data that has not been scientifically measured in over a decade.
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