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Swan Hills (BMA 7) Grizzly Bear Population Inventory

This DNA mark-recapture study uses hair snags to conduct the first ever estimate of the population of grizzly bears in BMA 7.

Swan Hills Bear Management Area (BMA) 7 is the only provincial BMA that has not been surveyed using DNA mark-recapture. BMA 7 is located east of the Grande Cache (BMA 2) population.

Similar to our 2014 inventory of BMA 3, we will use hair snag sites to non-invasively collect DNA samples throughout the BMA.

The main objective of this project is to obtain an estimate of grizzly bear population size, and to assess their spatial distribution relative to core and secondary areas based on prior RSF modelling. 

Related Programs:

Grizzly Bear Program
Read more about the project
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  • January 2018

    Project Begins

    Progress update: Planning and preparation underway

  • May 2018

    Field Crew Trained

    Progress update: A week of safety, equipment, and of course, hair sampling training.

  • May 22, 2018

    Field Work Begins

    Progress update: Crews begin setting up hair snag sites.

Hair snag

BMA 7 Estimates of Grizzly Bear Population Size and Density

Final report for grizzly bear population size and density for the Alberta Swan Hills Population Unit (BMA 7) in 2018, the first ever estimate for this area.

Grizzly bear with collar on road

BMA 4 and 7 Grizzly Bear Population Study Summary Materials

Summary of the BMA 4 and 7 reports, including a map and FAQs.

Anja showing the crew how to set up the hair snag sites.

Photo Gallery: 2018 BMA Inventory Training

Pictures from the Grizzly Bear Program field crew training on May 11.

Map of 2018 study area for the BMA 7 work

Public Notice: 2018 Inventory in BMA 7

Poster with general information for the public about the project.

Bear hair snag.

Using spatial mark-recapture for conservation monitoring of grizzly bear populations in Alberta

Peer reviewed paper from the Grizzly Bear Program.

Gord Stenhouse

Program Lead

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