Articles tagged with Bears
A recent study reveals that the direct ancestor of the cave bear had a similar diet to its descendant, suggesting a dietary specialization in vegetal matter. The researchers used geometric morphometrics and micro-CT scanning to analyze ancient fossils, providing new insights into the evolution of Europe's iconic species.
A new study reveals that there are still many areas in Europe where brown bears could live, but with suitable habitat for hosting the species. The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have identified over 380,000 square kilometres of potential bear habitat, offering a ...
Research shows that Kodiak brown bears can consume up to 2 tons of fish in one summer by syncing their stream-to-stream movements with salmon spawning patterns. This study links actual bear consumption to their foraging behavior and movements, highlighting the importance of diverse salmon populations.
A new study finds that online product rankings affect consumer search behavior, reducing search costs and benefiting consumers. However, rankings do not directly impact purchase decisions, with intermediaries influencing purchases secondarily.
A new study examines the impact of salmon poisoning disease on grizzly bears in the North Cascades and central Idaho. The research suggests that using bears with no history of salmon consumption may not be effective due to their sensitivity to the disease, complicating recovery plans.
A new review of evidence suggests the brown bear may have gone extinct earlier than thought, with dates ranging from late Neolithic to early medieval periods. The study aims to clarify the unclear previous evidence and sheds light on the possible reasons behind their extinction.
Research in Japan found that Asiatic black bears create arboreal feeding signs (AFS) on trees with large mast energy values, indicating a cost-benefit analysis for climbing. AFS are also more likely during poor mast years when competition for hard mast is high.
Researchers measured polar and grizzly bears' oxygen consumption while walking on a treadmill, finding they consume the same amount of energy as similarly sized animals. This challenges previous ideas that polar bears burn more energy due to their environment.
Inuit hunters in East Greenland report changes in their subsistence hunting patterns, polar bear ecology, and distribution due to climate change. They note more bears coming into towns, eating more seal parts, and using boats instead of dog sledges.
A team of biologists and immunologists from Penn State will study bear ecology, movement, and immune response to understand the spread of sarcoptic mange in Pennsylvania bears. The research aims to identify genes associated with resistance to the disease and develop effective management strategies.
A new international study found that the popularity of charismatic animal species like tigers and pandas may contribute to their extinction due to misperception. The researchers suggest that companies using images of threatened species for marketing purposes provide information on conservation efforts.
Brown bears may fall into evolutionary and ecological traps due to poor decision-making on environmental cues, leading to declines in population. The article proposes mechanisms by which these traps can affect brown bear dynamics and viability in human-modified landscapes.
Research shows that human hunting has changed the relationship between mother bears and their cubs, causing mothers to stay with them for an additional year. This shift is attributed to the increased killing of females without cubs, forcing them to prioritize cub survival over reproductive efforts.
Researchers tracked polar bears during spring hunting season and found their metabolism increased by 1.6 times, with 4 bears losing 10% or more of body mass over 8-11 days
A new study reveals polar bears have higher metabolic rates than thought, making them struggle to catch enough seals to meet their energy demands. The research found that five of nine adult female polar bears lost body mass due to insufficient fat-rich prey.
A new study reveals polar bears have higher metabolic rates than previously thought, emphasizing their energy demands and foraging success. As Arctic sea ice declines, polar bears will face reduced access to seal prey and increased travel costs, potentially leading to population decline.
In southeastern Alaska, brown and black bears are the primary seed dispersers of berry-producing shrubs. Bears disperse approximately 200,000 devil's club seeds per square kilometer per hour through their scat. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about bird involvement in seed dispersal.
The Journal of Wildlife Management study highlights the importance of timing and location in grizzly bear translocations. Researchers found that early spring releases in low-mortality-risk areas near rivers led to higher success rates, emphasizing the need for further scientific data collection and publication of translocation results.
A recent study by Clayton Lamb and colleagues found that higher road density in British Columbia leads to lower grizzly bear density, compromising the species' recovery. Closing roads can reduce the negative impact of roads on habitats, allowing bears to recolonize and recover.
Researchers from A Coruña University reject the glacier refuge theory for Iberian brown bears. They found that the Pleistocene lineage was lost and Holocene bears arrived from an unidentified area, likely France, 5,000 years after colonizing Britain.
Researchers have identified a 3.5-million-year-old bear from the Canadian High Arctic with a sweet tooth, determined by cavities in its teeth. The bear, Protarctos abstrusus, was slightly smaller than a modern black bear and had a flatter head.
Dr Catherine Bell suggests that exposure to Peppa Pig may encourage patients to seek unnecessary medical attention and visits. She analyzes three case studies, highlighting the potential impact of the show on patient behavior and primary care services.
A new study by NIOO-KNAW reveals a dangerous gap between scientific facts on climate change and polar bear blogs, which often rely on misinformation. The study found that 45 'denier blogs' failed to overlap with peer-reviewed evidence, while 45 science-based blogs matched the evidence in scientific papers.
Researchers from UBC's Okanagan campus found that female grizzly bears with cubs prefer using wildlife overpasses to cross the highway, highlighting the importance of designing structures that prioritize bear safety. The study also suggests that a diverse range of crossing design types can help mitigate road-bear conflicts.
A study found that captive bears fed a diet high in saturated fats and low in polyunsaturated fats did not develop insulin resistance or other diseases. However, mild inflammation and heart strain were observed, raising concerns about the long-term health of bears in the wild that feed on human refuse.
Researchers from Montana and Wyoming biologists projected routes for grizzly bears to pass through human-occupied territory around Helena, Butte, and Bozeman. The predicted routes matched well with verified sightings of grizzly bears outside their usual ranges, offering more continuous habitat.
Red squirrels cache seeds in underground storage areas, which grizzly bears dig up and consume, conditioning them to seek grain on trains. This behavior can lead to increased train strikes and human-wildlife conflicts.
Researchers shed light on the extinct cave bear's primarily herbivorous diet and small brain relative to its body size. New studies suggest a less energy-rich diet and highly seasonal environment contributed to its unusually small brain, with findings also indicating longer gestation periods and slower sexual maturity.
Baits have become a significant portion of black bears' diets, potentially bolstering population density. The widespread consumption of calorically rich foods may be driven by the goals and consequences of baiting policies needing re-evaluation.
A recent study found that polar bear mercury levels are declining, indicating a change in their diet and weight as they adapt to reduced sea ice. The researchers attribute the drop to increased consumption of lower-mercury prey, such as bowhead whales and bearded seals, in place of ringed seals.
A study found that grizzly bears in Canadian national parks use railways as a food source, likely attracted by spilled grain and vegetation. The researchers recommend reducing grain spills and mitigating foraging areas to minimize the risk of train collisions.
A study in PLOS ONE reveals that Yellowstone grizzly bears continue to forage for declining whitebark pine seeds, a key food source. The analysis suggests that some bears may be consuming more plants and berries in response to the decline of whitebark trees.
A new study by Cornell University researchers estimates the densities of black bears in southern New York, finding an average density of about 13 bears per 38.6 square miles. The findings provide clues for how bears might continue to use landscapes farther north as their ranges expand.
The study found that Asiatic black bears prefer high-protein foods over fiber-rich ones due to digestive limitations. The bears' dietary preferences shifted as spring progressed, with a notable increase in ant consumption in June and July.
Researchers found that polar bears use crosswind movement to detect seals, with best conditions at night during winter. Climate change projections suggest increased winds may hinder this ability, impacting hunting success.
Researchers from the University of Washington and US agencies propose strategies for sustainable subsistence hunting, reducing crowding and ensuring ecological space. They emphasize the importance of monitoring subpopulations regularly and adjusting harvests accordingly to mitigate negative effects of habitat loss.
A new study published in Biology Open found that the heel-down posture of great apes, including humans, provides a fighting advantage due to increased swinging force when standing with heels planted. This stance allows for stronger blows and more striking force compared to digitigrade stances used by other species.
A University of Washington project explores the effects of climate change and subsistence hunting on polar bears, while also shedding light on the cultural value of the species to indigenous peoples. The research aims to set polar bears in context as resources for others, clarifying misinformation about hunting.
Researchers discovered wolves kill less often in the presence of brown bears due to competition for food. The consistency of results between two continents suggests that brown bears may be reducing wolf kill rates, but the reasons behind this phenomenon are still unclear.
Researchers found that education targeting border areas between residential communities and bear habitats can limit conflicts. The study suggests that reducing urban land use can also decrease human-bear interactions.
A new analysis reveals that polar bears are at risk from Arctic pollutants, with the risk being 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than safety thresholds. International control measures have reduced risks for bear cubs, but new contaminants pose a growing threat to the ecosystem.
Satellite observations help scientists forecast impacts of habitat changes on animal populations. Studies predict a 30 percent drop in the global polar bear population over the next 35 years due to sea ice loss. Satellite data also indicate that droughts in North America will affect migratory herbivores and their predators.
A recent hospital discharge, and prepares them for successful transition back into community settings. Older black patients bear a disproportionate risk of readmissions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Researchers will develop a non-invasive method to track polar bear response to climate change by analyzing epithelial cells shed from their gut during defecation. The project aims to gather information on polar bear health, diet, and genetic diversity for use as a baseline against future climate change impacts.
Regulated hunting in New Jersey helps control black bear population growth and reduce nuisance reports. The state's comprehensive management plan and public education programs are key to balancing bear preservation and human welfare.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that collecting DNA from residual saliva on partially consumed salmon provides a more effective and efficient way to study brown bears. This method allows for accurate individual identification and can be adapted for other species, improving wildlife population monitoring.
A new University of Washington study finds a trend toward earlier sea ice melt in the spring and later ice growth in the fall across all 19 polar bear populations. The analysis shows that critical timing of sea ice break-up and freeze-up is changing in a direction harmful for polar bears.
Kansas State University researchers are investigating whether people have the same emotional connections with animals when watching them through live webcams and in real life. The study uses a
A study found that American black bears can recognize visual features of objects they know in real life when presented with photographs. This ability has important implications for the use of photographs in computerized studies involving bears and their welfare.
Researchers discovered two groups of brown bears in Turkey, one migrating between feeding and breeding sites, while the other stayed in a city dump all year round. This study highlights the impact of human-caused habitat fragmentation on bear behavior and conservation strategies.
Researchers found that Alaskan brown bears migrate between shallow spawning grounds to exploit varying salmon spawn times, allowing them to access the resource over a longer period. This 'surfing the salmon red wave' behavior showcases sophisticated foraging behaviors in wildlife.
Researchers found that Asiatic black bears disperse wild cherry tree seeds toward mountaintops, helping the species cope with projected temperature rises. The study suggests that seed dispersal direction can be asymmetric and highlights the importance of considering seed dispersal limitations in predicting future plant distributions.
A recent study by the Spanish National Research Council found that half of large carnivore attacks are due to human imprudence. The researchers recommend educating people about risks and following basic rules to coexist with animals, reducing the likelihood of attacks.
Researchers found that bears' summer gut microbiota includes microbes that take in more energy from the diet, allowing them to gain fat without impairing glucose metabolism. The study suggests a new potential therapeutic target for obesity management in humans.
Mexican authorities instituted an emergency ban on gillnetting to save the critically endangered vaquita, with scientists reporting a hopeful model for sustainable fishing coexistence. Researchers also presented studies on declining polar bears and potential methods to reduce bycatch in non-mechanized fisheries.
A study found that Chukchi Sea polar bears spent more time on land during summer sea ice loss, with minimal access to preferred prey. The increased land use may lead to increased nutritional stress and human-polar bear interactions.
A WSU study suggests linking isolated wildlife sanctuaries by a national network of protected river corridors to provide animals with connected habitats. The research builds on existing environmental policies, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
New calculations indicate that polar bears can survive on land-based food sources, such as caribou and snow goose eggs, to avoid starvation due to ice melt. The research found that these alternative food sources provide enough calories for bears to sustain themselves during extended stays on land.
Scientists solve the mystery of polar bear Knut's encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disease previously known only in humans. The discovery provides new insights into the possible prevalence of autoimmunity in humans and other mammals.
A study by UC San Diego biologists found that black bears in Yosemite National Park primarily forage on plants and nuts, with acorns and pine nuts being their main food sources. The research also suggests that female bears tend to forage more heavily for high-fat seeds during reproduction.