Bears - research and more

Genetic testing is relatively new in wildlife, and therefore, not all species have been tested. One place where it has been performed, however, is in the Great Bear Rain Forest. For example, to survey the grizzly bear populations in the Great Bear Rainforest without using invasive procedures, researchers captured hair that collected on barbed wire and used it to study various genetic information from the bears. They found that there are three specific genetic differences in the grizzly bears that align with the three language groups of the natives. The changes in the environment apparently affect bears just as they do people; hence over time, the groups’ genetics changed to match the environment. Researchers have speculated that some animals become geographically isolated, causing them to eventually mutate, creating a difference between them and the other species. Kermode bears are one of those geographically isolated black bear species. They have a variety of genetic differences from other black bears, but their most notable recessive gene is that, when combined with another recessive gene from another Kermode bear, the cub is born white. Two Kermode bears can have white cubs, a white cub and a black cub, or two black cubs. But all are Kermode bears. The Kermode bear is considered an umbrella species. The Great Bear Rainforest is a protected area due to the presence of the Kermode Bear, and because of its protection, all of the plants and other animals benefit. Comparisons between black bears and grizzlies are myriad. Both are omnivores, both are quite protective of their cubs, and both eat lots of salmon. Black bears are more adaptable than grizzlies, and they go into human settlements, sometimes to escape predators such as the grizzlies but sometimes because they are just curious. Black bears eat 40% less salmon when in the presence of grizzlies, and diversity of salmon species tripled the proportion of salmon consumed by black bears. The First Nation in Canada has dispensed with the practice of trophy hunting because it harms already harmed populations. Raincoast and the Coastal First Nation have purchased most of the trophy hunt tenures, and then they take empty rifles and cameras and “shoot” their trophies. The collaboration has raised enough money to purchase most of the tenures, and they are currently raising money to purchase some of those that remain. I was thrilled to hear about this initiative, as trophy hunting has always seemed a horrible thing.