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American black bears sleep twice as much during hibernation periods as during summer months, spending just 1/3 of this time awake, per machine-learning analysis of data from captive bears recorded over a period of 5 years

A recent study published in PLOS One found that American black bears sleep twice as much during hibernation periods compared to summer months, with only 1/3 of the time spent awake. The researchers used machine-learning analysis of data from captive bears recorded over a period of five years.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateAug 5, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Orphaned grizzly cubs released back into the wild rarely make it, but these changes could improve chances drastically

A recent study on orphaned grizzly bears found a high mortality rate of 83%, largely due to human-bear conflicts, illegal killings, and intraspecific killing. The study also highlights the risk of habituation to humans, which can lead to serious conflicts, particularly when combined with oversized size from excessive growth during reha...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Success story brown bear: 3D analysis reveals the secret of their climate resilience

A study by Anneke van Heteren and colleagues reveals that European brown bears have maintained a versatile jaw structure despite climate fluctuations over thousands of years. The researchers found subtle differences in lower jaw morphology that reflect changes in food supply and environmental conditions.

SourceStaatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns·JournalComptes Rendus Palevol·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

Study of gut microbes in black bears finds antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A recent study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present in the gut microbiomes of American black bears in eastern North Carolina. The researchers also discovered that these pathogens can be dispersed through bear feces, making the bears a potential indicator species for environmental changes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026

The polar bear ‘umbrella’: How protecting one species saves many

A new study reveals that protecting polar bear habitat naturally safeguards the resources they rely on to survive, providing critical benefits to the ecosystem. By analyzing tracking data from 355 bears, researchers identified a high-use area near Cape Churchill, Manitoba, highlighting it as a prime location for a Marine Protected Area.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalArctic Science·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 25, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Ecology: Svalbard polar bears insulated against sea ice loss

Despite sea ice losses, Svalbard polar bears' body conditions have improved due to increased fat reserves and access to land-based prey. The study found that the number of ice-free days in the Barents Sea region increased, but the mean body condition index of adult polar bears rose following 2000.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2026

Polar bears may be adapting to survive warmer climates, says study

A new study found that rising temperatures are driving changes in polar bear DNA, which may help them adapt to increasingly challenging environments. The researchers discovered that genes related to heat-stress, aging, and metabolism are behaving differently in polar bears living in southeastern Greenland.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMobile DNA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Polar bears act as crucial providers for Arctic species

A new study reveals that polar bears act as crucial providers for Arctic species, leaving behind millions of kilograms of prey annually. This carrion provides a vital energy source for a wide network of arctic scavenger species, including Arctic foxes and ravens.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalOikos·DateOct 28, 2025

Teddy bears could be valuable conservation tools—but they need a new look

A recent study suggests that teddy bears play a crucial role in shaping our early conception of nature. By analyzing morphometric and colorimetric data, researchers found that traditional teddy bears diverge significantly from their real-world counterparts. This gap may lead to warped or incomplete mental representations of animals and...

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 24, 2025

Early bears were omnivores: Three-dimensional jaw analyses reveal diet

A new study by Anneke van Heteren found that early bears like the Auvergne bear were likely typical omnivores, not insect-eaters as previously thought. The research used 3D jaw analyses and geometric morphometrics to compare jaw biomechanics with different diets.

SourceStaatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns·JournalBoreas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers find more accurate way to track polar bears during their most secretive stage of life

A new study combines satellite collar data with specialized cameras to shed light on the mysterious and important stage of maternal denning. The researchers found that using both methods can accurately predict when polar bears will emerge from their dens and how external factors like temperature influence their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 6, 2025
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Polar bear energetic model reveals drivers of polar bear population decline

A new bioenergetic model reveals that sea ice loss and feeding limitations are the primary drivers of a ~50% polar bear population decline since the mid-1990s. The study's findings have implications for conservation efforts, suggesting that individual energetic constraints can shape population-level outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2025
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

If you build it, will they come? Wildlife corridors need smarter design

A University of Maryland study highlights the complexity of designing wildlife corridors, which can vary widely in their effectiveness depending on the evaluation method used. The research found that none of the tested corridor designs captured all black bear movements, and some even failed to account for unique dispersal behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalLandscape Ecology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 18, 2024
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Breakthrough wildlife tracking technology that adheres to fur delivers promising results from trials on wild polar bears

A new tracking technology that adheres to a polar bear's fur has shown promise in studying the behavior and movements of subadult and adult male bears. The technology, known as Burr on Fur, allows researchers to track these groups without the need for satellite collars, providing valuable insights into their habits.

SourceYork University·JournalAnimal Biotelemetry·DateJul 15, 2024

Climate change: Longer ice-free periods may lead to smaller Hudson Bay polar bear population

Researchers warn that Hudson Bay's growing ice-free period may reduce polar bear survival rates and reproductive success, threatening their population. If global warming exceeds 2.1 degrees Celsius, the ice-free period could extend beyond the bears' safe limit, leading to reduced survival rates.

SourceSpringer·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2024

UConn lab sequences rabies in black bear

The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory sequenced a case of rabies from a black bear found in the state. The lab compared the genome with existing rabies sequences to identify a rare viral strain, closely resembling one from a raccoon in New England.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalMicrobiology Resource Announcements·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Brown bears digging up artificial forests

Researchers found that brown bears' digging for cicada nymphs damages tree roots and alters soil nitrogen content, limiting tree diameter growth. This phenomenon is unique to human-planted conifer forests, with no similar effects in natural forests.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2024

Study reveals molecular mechanisms behind hibernation in mammals

The study reveals changes in motor protein structure and energy consumption during hibernation, highlighting key differences between large and small hibernators. Myosin plays a crucial role in non-shivering thermogenesis, with smaller mammals experiencing increased ATP consumption at lower temperatures.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateFeb 20, 2024

Polar bears unlikely to adapt to longer summers

A recent study found that polar bears, closely observed by scientists, struggled to maintain weight when their preferred seal prey was out of reach during longer ice-free seasons. Despite trying various strategies, including resting and foraging, nearly all the bears lost weight rapidly, highlighting their vulnerability to climate change.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2024

Ancient brown bear genomes sheds light on Ice Age losses and survival

Research on ancient brown bear genomes sheds light on how they survived the last Ice Age. Brown bears experienced extensive range reductions and regional extinctions, leading to significant genetic diversity loss.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJan 24, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Bear genes show circadian rhythms even during hibernation

A genetic study found that grizzly bears' energy production follows a daily pattern even during hibernation, with a blunted amplitude and shifted peak. This suggests that the circadian rhythm helps bears conserve energy while still maintaining some metabolic function.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology B·DateNov 16, 2023

For 20,000 years, polar bears have been retreating due to rising sea temperatures

A new study reveals that polar bear populations have been declining over the past 20,000 years due to rising sea temperatures, with a 20-40% reduction in population size. The researchers found that even small changes in sea temperature have a significant impact on polar bears.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2023

Protecting polar bears aim of new and improved radar technology

Researchers from Simon Fraser University and Brigham Young University have developed a new radar technology that significantly improves the detection of polar bear dens in the Arctic. The technology, using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), has been shown to increase den detection by over 66% compared to current industry standards.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalUrsus·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 18, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Study connects greenhouse gas emissions to polar bear population declines, enabling greater protections under Endangered Species Act

A new study from the University of Washington and Polar Bears International reveals a direct link between cumulative greenhouse gas emissions and polar bear demographic changes. The study shows that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help protect polar bears, with implications beyond just this species.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2023

Denmark is crawling with the world's most resilient creature

Researchers discovered a vast array of tardigrade species in Denmark, with unique DNA sequences detected in 96 samples, highlighting their adaptability to various environments. The findings shed light on the incredible survival abilities of these tiny creatures, which can withstand extreme conditions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 14, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Bear-human coexistence rethought

A new study by Paula Mayer proposes a practical tool for identifying areas of high human-bear conflict in the Abruzzo region. The model considers factors such as habitat suitability, migration corridors, and human-made food resources to inform local measures promoting coexistence.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal for Nature Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

The thrombosis paradox

A study by an international research team has found a mechanism that occurs in brown bears and paraplegics, preventing the formation of blood clots. The discovery could lead to new treatments for venous thromboembolism, a life-threatening condition.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

First assessment of livestock predation risk from brown bears in Romania

A recent study found that brown bears in Romania's Carpathians have a higher predation risk for cows near villages and forest edges, while sheep are more prone to predation in remote areas. The researchers believe that differences in grazing regimes and bear abundance contribute to these findings.

SourceOhio University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Low-impact human recreation changes wildlife behavior

A study found that human presence in Glacier National Park causes 16 out of 22 mammal species to change their movement patterns, using different areas or being more nocturnal. The researchers suggest that this effect is significant enough to impact population survival.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 19, 2023

Do polar bear paws hold the secret to better tire traction?

University of Akron researchers review polar bear paw prints to find secret to improved traction on snow and ice. They discover that the taller papillae on polar bears' paw pads increase frictional shear stress by 30-50%.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Why aren’t all black bears black?

Black bears with a specific mutation in the TYRP1 gene have reduced eumelanin production, resulting in a cinnamon coat. The team found that this mutation arose spontaneously around 9,360 years ago in western US black bears and spread as they migrated across their range.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 16, 2022

Animals in national parks impacted by even just a few people

A University of Washington-led study found that even low levels of human activity in protected areas can alter wildlife behavior. Wildlife activity dropped to zero when outdoor recreation levels reached around 40 visitors per week in Glacier Bay National Park.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022

On the fence: New research taps rancher expertise on living with carnivores

Researchers collaborated with livestock producers, natural resource managers, and university-based researchers to develop effective fencing designs that reduce wildlife conflicts and prioritize human safety. The study highlights the importance of integrating diverse knowledge and experience to inform fencing projects.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeCase study·DateOct 4, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Increasing evidence that bears are not carnivores

Researchers have found that captive bears prefer a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet, which is different from the typical high-protein diet they receive in zoos. This dietary preference is consistent with the bears' natural diet in the wild and may contribute to their shorter lifespan in captivity.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2022

Gut microbiomes help bears with very different diets reach the same size

A recent study of Alaskan brown bears reveals that their gut microbiomes play a crucial role in supporting health and achieving comparable size despite eating vastly different diets. The research sheds light on the importance of diverse dietary niches for bears, which can help them extract nutrition from various food sources.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Missing grizzly bear toes results in call to change practices

A UBC Okanagan researcher suggests changing fur trapping practices to prevent accidental grizzly bear toe amputations. By delaying the start of the trapping season from November 1 to early December, trappers can avoid catching bears during their hibernation period.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 2022

New discovery of panda species which may have been Europe’s last

A new panda species, Agriarctos nikolovi, has been discovered in Bulgaria, which may have been Europe's last known giant panda. The fossilized teeth, found in the late 1970s, suggest that this ancient panda consumed a largely vegetarian diet, unlike modern pandas.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJul 31, 2022

Newly documented population of polar bears in Southeast Greenland sheds light on the species’ future in a warming Arctic

A previously unknown subpopulation of polar bears living in Southeast Greenland has been genetically distinct and uniquely adapted to its environment. The study provides insight into how the species might persist into the future, but highlights the need for careful extrapolation due to limited access to sea ice.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022