111149
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 07:00
Management Area:
Thompson Northern Forests
Parks:
North Thompson Oxbows East Park, Wells Gray Park, Caligata Lake Park, Finn Creek Park, North Thompson Oxbows Manteau Park
Term:
5 years
Summary of Activity:
Simpcw NRD and Estsék' Environmental LLP are conducting a research project on the Wells Gray Grizzly Bear Population Unit (GBPU), involving a population estimate via capture-recapture analyses of hair-snag traps and incidental observations of bear rub trees. Field sampling will take place over two field seasons (2022 and 2023) within the Wells Gray GBPU during snow free conditions (e.g., spring, summer, and early fall). A minimum of 10, up to 20, hair snag trap stations will be deployed per year, using non-reward scent baited traps for short durations (10-14 days). Each station will be reset for a second round either at the same location or at another location within the same square. Regular site visits the stations will be left for the 10-14 days and then checked and hair samples collected. After that it will be determined whether to rebait the station or take it down and move it to another location. At each station, the following will be collected: hair samples, wildlife camera images, site assessment (e.g., tracks), as well as recordings of incidental bear rub observations. Habitat assessments of each plot site will also occur during station set up (e.g., slope, aspect, vegetation), to ground truth habitat suitability ratings). A full Project Safety Plan (PSP) is being completed. Field crews of 4 will have completed wilderness first aid, bear safe training, carry bear spray, and follow the PSP. A wildlife monitor will always be present with field crews. Signage will be posted at all trail heads and near baited stations to inform public of traps, and site selection will prioritize public safety. Access to traps will be by both helicopter and foot access, with vehicle access to trailheads. When
necessary, BC Parks website will be updated with information regarding trail closures.
Obtaining an accurate estimate of the Wells Gray GBPU will be undertaken using genetic non-invasive sampling (g-NIS) mark recapture techniques, widely used to estimate grizzly bear populations (Woods et al. 1999; Mowat and Strobeck 2000; Boulanger et al. 2002). Population connectivity has been successfully characterized previously using hair snag/DNA analysis (Proctor et al. 2005, Apps et al. 2009). Using multiple DNA detection methods has been shown in previous studies to increase accuracy and precision of population abundance estimates (Boulanger et al. 2008; Graves et al. 2012).
The methods for hair-snag/DNA analysis in this Study will follow procedures outlined in Apps et al. (2005), Apps (2010); the methods for bear-rub surveys will follow procedures outlined in Morehouse and Boyce (2016), with input from Boulanger et al. (2008) and Graves et al. (2012). For genetic testing, the hair samples collected will be sent to Wildlife Genetics International, in
Nelson, BC and tested for individual sex and genetics. The lab will genotype to identify species, gender (and individual bears).
Permit Type:
Permittee:
Simpcw First Nation dba First Nation,Ceryne Staples,Estsek' Environmental LLP,Simpcw First Nation dba First Nation
Issue Date:
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Region:
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