fRI Research and our lab partners in Norway are pioneering the use of scat as a source of DNA for monitoring grizzly bear populations.
In the fall of 2019, we are trying to understand where and how many grizzly bears live in agricultural lands between highways 11 and 1 using scat DNA.
Here’s how you can help collect DNA by sampling grizzly bear scat!
Video
Instructions
1. Wear gloves, bears may have parasites that can make you sick!
2. Using the wooden stick in your collection kit, scoop 0.5 cm3 of scat from the inside of the scat.
0.5 cm3 of scat is roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
A sample larger than this will not dry out properly.
3. Transfer the scat sample into a vial containing silica beads and snap the lid back on.
4. Gently tip the vial upside down a couple of times to make sure plenty of silica beads surround the scat sample.
5. Leave the biodegradable wooden collection stick upright in the middle of the scat to indicate to others that it has been sampled.
6. Fill out the required information on the vial label: the date and time of collection, the name of the person who collected the sample, and the location of the sample.
Location information is critical so please provide precise coordinates, i.e. latitude/longitude or UTM Nad83 coordinates or a legal land description (see instructions on back).
7. Store your sample in a cool and dry place out of the sun.
Picking up and Dropping off Sample Kits
If you’re interested in helping with this research, contact us.
As of Fall 2019, we are collecting your sample kits at:
• Fish and Wildlife Office in Rocky Mountain House (2nd Floor, 4919, 51 Street)
• Tackle and Trails, Rocky Mountain House (5027 45 St)
• Fish and Wildlife Office in Sundre (127 First Street NW)
• West Country Sports, Sundre (200 Main Ave W)
