Alaska’s bears: new research techniques

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: (907) 474-5823
01/21/04

Biologists have for years detailed the habits of Alaska’s wildlife with paper, pencil, binoculars, radio collars, and aircraft, but new tools are allowing biologists to learn a lot more about bears and other animals. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Biologist Sean Farley will present a free lecture on Alaska’s bears at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 27 at the Chena River Convention Center in Fairbanks. During his hour-long lecture, Farley will discuss examples of bear research that use techniques involving chemistry, DNA analysis, and radio collars with a new twist, onboard digital cameras. Farley’s lecture is the second of six weekly presentations included in the 2004 Science for Alaska free public lecture series, sponsored by the UAF Geophysical Institute and the University of Alaska Foundation. All lectures are held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through February 24 in the Chena River Convention Center.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Additional biographical information about Sean Farley and a comprehensive schedule of the statewide lectures can be found on the Science for Alaska free public lecture series Web site: www.scienceforalaska.com .

CONTACT: Sean Farley, Wildlife Biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Affiliate Faculty, University of Alaska Anchorage: (907) 267-2203