COLUMBIA, Mo. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia are studying the status of black bears in Missouri. Black bears were abundant in the state during the 18th and 19th centuries, but have been considered almost extinct in Missouri since the late 19th century. The results of the MU study will be used by the Missouri Department of Conservation to help manage Missouris black bear population.
The researchers Kaitlyn Faries, a senior biology and chemistry major, and Lori Eggert, assistant professor of biological science in the College of Arts and Science will use a non-invasive sampling technique called hair snares, barbed wires that remove a few of the bears hairs without harming the bears themselves. After collecting hair samples this summer, they will extract DNA from the hair follicles and use that DNA to estimate the number of bears, the gender ratio of male to female bears, where the bears are migrating from and if they are reproducing.
This study is a good example of the use of cutting-edge molecular biology in the management of Missouris wildlife, Eggert said. Were pleased to work with the Missouri Department of Conservation to generate the data needed to better understand and effectively manage the black bear population.
Dave Hamilton, a resource scientist at the Missouri Department of Conservation, said he believes there are approximately 300 black bears in Missouri, but only a few females. This study will give the Missouri Department of Conservation a better understanding of the population.
This study is important to us because we need to have a better idea about the nature of the bear population in Missouri, Hamilton said. We get lots of questions from citizens and media this time of year because bears are active and get into trouble, and we try to reassure the public that we are prepared to handle nuisance bears and protect their property. This pilot study should help us ask better research quest
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Contact: Katherine Kostiuk
kostiukk@missouri.edu
573-882-3346
University of Missouri-Columbia
13-Jun-2007