Florida Bear Tracks (Full Documentary) | SPECIAL | National Geographic

Key Concepts:

• Big Cypress black bear subpopulation
• GPS Collaring
• Cage Traps
• Rub Trees
• Scent Lure
• Florida Wildlife Corridor
• Solar GPS Ear Tags
• Habitat Fragmentation
• Genetic Assessments
• Timed Dropoff Mechanism

1. Introduction and Project Overview

• Shelby Shiver, a black bear biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), leads a team in South Florida, 30 minutes east of Naples, to study the Big Cypress black bear subpopulation.
• The team includes Ashley, Lindsay, and Kayleigh.
• The goal is to collect data to estimate the growth of the subpopulation.

2. Black Bear Subpopulations in Florida

• Historically, Florida's black bears were connected statewide.
• Currently, they exist in seven subpopulations.
• Four subpopulations are strong, with over 1,000 bears each.
• The other subpopulations are smaller, with fewer than 200 bears, facing isolation risks.
• Isolation can lead to decline due to limited genetic diversity and reduced ability to adapt to environmental changes.

3. Methods for Data Collection

• GPS Collaring: Female bears are fitted with GPS collars to monitor their survival and track their movements.
  • The collars are equipped with a timed dropoff mechanism that releases the collar after two years.
  • A leather component acts as a fail-safe, degrading naturally to ensure the collar eventually comes off.
• Den Monitoring: The team monitors the dens of collared females to track the survival of their cubs.
• Trapping: Cage traps are used to capture bears for collaring and data collection.
  • Cage traps are baited with donuts and scent lure.
  • A heavy-duty PVC canister is used to hold the bait, preventing bears from damaging it or injuring themselves.
  • Bears trigger the trap by stepping on a treadle plate.
• Snare Sites: Foot snares are used to capture bears by the wrist above the paw.
  • The foot loop closes from right to left.
  • The bears are then darted in the snare.

4. Identifying Bear Activity

• Rub Trees: The team identifies rub trees, which bears use to mark their territory.
  • Bears bite and rub against these trees, leaving claw marks and hair.
  • Smaller bears may bite higher up to mimic larger bears.

5. Capturing and Processing Bears

• Male Bear Capture (Mr. Fatty): A large male bear, affectionately called "Mr. Fatty," is captured in a cage trap.
  • He is estimated to weigh over 500 pounds.
  • The bear is darted to sedate him for processing.
  • His temperature is taken to prevent overheating.
  • He weighed in at 501 pounds, the second largest bear captured in the study so far.
• Weighing: A weigh arm is used to determine the bear's weight.
• Ear Tagging: Solar GPS ear tags are being used on young male bears north of I-75 to track their movements and potential dispersal to other subpopulations.
• Health Assessment: The team assesses the bear's overall health, noting the condition of its coat and checking for injuries.

6. Importance of Genetic Diversity and Connectivity

• The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation supports the use of solar GPS ear tags to track bear movements and connectivity between subpopulations.
• Genetic similarity among subpopulations indicates a healthy, interconnected population.
• Habitat fragmentation can lead to genetic isolation and reduced health of subpopulations.

7. Recapture and Release

• A previously captured bear is found in a trap.
• Because he is a recapture and still has his ear tags, he is released.
• The team attempts to scare him away to discourage him from returning.
• The bear seems desensitized to people, raising concerns about potential conflicts in residential areas.

8. Capturing and Processing a Female Bear

• A female bear is captured on the Panther Refuge.
• She is darted and fitted with a GPS collar.
• The collar has a timed dropoff mechanism that releases after two years, with a leather fail-safe.
• Her temperature is taken, and she is moved to the shade to prevent overheating.
• She has a distinctive chest blaze, which is unusual for bears in that area.
• She weighed 115.2 pounds, indicating she is a small bear.
• The team administers a painkiller to minimize discomfort from the capture and handling process.
• A metal detector is used to check for metal fragments, indicating potential previous gunshot wounds.

9. Collar Fitting and Bear Welfare

• The team emphasizes the importance of properly fitting the GPS collars to ensure bear welfare.
• The goal is to monitor the survival of female bears and estimate the subpopulation's growth rate.

10. Challenges and Conservation Efforts

• Habitat loss and fragmentation due to human development pose significant risks to Florida's black bear populations.
• The FWC is conducting full population estimates and genetic assessments of each subpopulation, expected by 2030.
• The team is dedicated to ensuring the long-term health and survival of Florida's black bears.

11. The Role of Women in Wildlife Research

• The team highlights the increasing role of women in carnivore research, traditionally a male-dominated field.

12. Conclusion

• Florida black bears are a conservation success story, but ongoing efforts are needed to address habitat loss and maintain connectivity between subpopulations.
• The FWC's research and monitoring efforts are crucial for ensuring the long-term health and survival of these iconic animals.
• The ultimate goal is to maintain healthy, interconnected bear populations across the state.