Image of whitebark pine cone and seeds.
Images
Images described and linked on this webpage come from a wide variety of USGS science activities and presentations performed by USGS Science Center staff members in the Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin. A search tool is provided to narrow the number of image files shown.
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Whitebark pine cone and seeds.
Image of whitebark pine cone and seeds.
Telemetry by air
Once a grizzly bear is radio collared, biologists can track its movements with telemetry via airplane. The IGBST also used the latest telemetry technologies, which allows downloading of GPS data from the radio collar via satellites.
Once a grizzly bear is radio collared, biologists can track its movements with telemetry via airplane. The IGBST also used the latest telemetry technologies, which allows downloading of GPS data from the radio collar via satellites.
Telemetry by foot
Once a grizzly bear is radio collared, biologists can track its movements with telemetry on foot.
Once a grizzly bear is radio collared, biologists can track its movements with telemetry on foot.
At the capture site
At capture sites with road access, biologists drive to a trap with a bear inside to set up for collecting biological data.
At capture sites with road access, biologists drive to a trap with a bear inside to set up for collecting biological data.
Culvert trap and bait
Biologists use road-killed ungulates such as deer, elk, or bison as bait in the traps.
Biologists use road-killed ungulates such as deer, elk, or bison as bait in the traps.
Culvert trap
Biologists place a culvert trap in locations that they need data from. Field crews will set up the culvert trap and check it daily, usually in the morning, to determine if a bear has been captured. Additionally, trap doors are checked via radio telemetry.
Biologists place a culvert trap in locations that they need data from. Field crews will set up the culvert trap and check it daily, usually in the morning, to determine if a bear has been captured. Additionally, trap doors are checked via radio telemetry.
Measuring the bear's head length
A biologist measures a grizzly bear’s head length.
A biologist measures a grizzly bear’s head length.
Assessing body fat percentage of grizzly bear
Field personnel use bioelectrical impedance to assess body fat percentage of captured bears. The procedure is similar to how body fat is measured in humans and is based on the resistance of body tissues to the flow of a small, harmless electrical signal.
Field personnel use bioelectrical impedance to assess body fat percentage of captured bears. The procedure is similar to how body fat is measured in humans and is based on the resistance of body tissues to the flow of a small, harmless electrical signal.
Getting set up
Biologists are very careful to keep the grizzly bear under shade and protected from the elements while they collect biological data. Vital signs are monitored throughout the handling period.
Biologists are very careful to keep the grizzly bear under shade and protected from the elements while they collect biological data. Vital signs are monitored throughout the handling period.
Measuring the bear's body length
Biologists measure a grizzly bear’s body length.
Biologists measure a grizzly bear’s body length.
Close up
The kerchief over the grizzly bear’s eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
The kerchief over the grizzly bear’s eyes protects it from dust and debris and reduces visual stimulation. The small tubing in its nose, known as a nasal cannula, delivers oxygen to the animal while it is tranquilized.
Preparing for collection of samples
A biologist prepares to collect biological information from the bear they have captured. Biologists collect hair samples for genetic analysis, weigh the bear, and gather numerous measurements of the body, such as the head, paws, claws, teeth, etc. Overall condition of the bear is assessed as well, including a body fat measurement.
A biologist prepares to collect biological information from the bear they have captured. Biologists collect hair samples for genetic analysis, weigh the bear, and gather numerous measurements of the body, such as the head, paws, claws, teeth, etc. Overall condition of the bear is assessed as well, including a body fat measurement.
An immobilized bear.
Biologists use a syringe pole to immobilize the captured grizzly bear. It takes approximately 10 minutes for a bear to become immobilized.
Biologists use a syringe pole to immobilize the captured grizzly bear. It takes approximately 10 minutes for a bear to become immobilized.
Ready to remove from the trap
Biologists have immobilized the bear and prepare to lift it out of the trap and onto the tarp for data collection. Once on the tarp the bear is easier to move.
Biologists have immobilized the bear and prepare to lift it out of the trap and onto the tarp for data collection. Once on the tarp the bear is easier to move.
Fitting a radio collar
Biologists with IGBST and the National Park Service fit a grizzly bear with a radio collar. Once a bear is radio collared, biologists can track its movements with telemetry.
Biologists with IGBST and the National Park Service fit a grizzly bear with a radio collar. Once a bear is radio collared, biologists can track its movements with telemetry.
Measuring the bear's paw
Biologists measure a grizzly bear’s paw width.
Biologists measure a grizzly bear’s paw width.
Getting the bear's weight
One of the first measurements taken is the bear’s weight using a quadpod and electronic scale.
One of the first measurements taken is the bear’s weight using a quadpod and electronic scale.
Rio Grande at New Mex. State Road 359
North-oriented view of the Rio Grande at New Mexico State Road 359 near Mesilla, N. Mex., February 11, 2016 (photograph by Nicholas R. Glaser, U.S. Geological Survey).
SIR 2016–5011
North-oriented view of the Rio Grande at New Mexico State Road 359 near Mesilla, N. Mex., February 11, 2016 (photograph by Nicholas R. Glaser, U.S. Geological Survey).
SIR 2016–5011
Rio Grande from New Mexico State Road 359, New Mex.
North-oriented view of the Rio Grande from New Mexico State Road 359 near Mesilla, N. Mex., February 11, 2016 (photograph by Nicholas R. Glaser, U.S. Geological Survey).
SIR 2016–5011
North-oriented view of the Rio Grande from New Mexico State Road 359 near Mesilla, N. Mex., February 11, 2016 (photograph by Nicholas R. Glaser, U.S. Geological Survey).
SIR 2016–5011
Bear scratch on tree.
When looking for a place to set up a capture location, biologists look for existing bear sign such as scratches on trees and bear scat. Sometimes traps are set in areas that have no obvious bear sign to determine if indeed bears are present.
When looking for a place to set up a capture location, biologists look for existing bear sign such as scratches on trees and bear scat. Sometimes traps are set in areas that have no obvious bear sign to determine if indeed bears are present.
Rio Grande, about 1 mile southwest of Montaño Bridge, SIR 2016–5021
Upstream view of the Rio Grande from a location about 1 mile southwest of the Montaño Bridge. Photograph was taken January 24, 2016, by Nathan Myers.
Upstream view of the Rio Grande from a location about 1 mile southwest of the Montaño Bridge. Photograph was taken January 24, 2016, by Nathan Myers.