California’s recent bear sighting in an unexpected location has brought attention to the innovative methods used by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to track and monitor bears across the state. Jessica West, an environmental scientist with the department, provided insights into the process during an interview with NBC4.
The specific bear in question, known as Yellow 2291, was initially tagged and fitted with a GPS collar after it wandered into a wildlife trap in Claremont. The collar allowed scientists to monitor the bear’s movements, revealing that it covered a vast distance in just over a month. From traveling across freeways to exploring different areas, Yellow 2291’s journey has intrigued researchers.
According to West, the GPS collar provides valuable data that has offered a deeper understanding of the bear’s behaviour. The technology has enabled scientists to observe the bear’s movements and gain insights into its habitat preferences.
Following Yellow 2291’s extensive journey, the bear was captured and released back into the wild in the Angeles National Forest. As part of the monitoring process, the bear will continue to be tracked using the GPS collar, which can last anywhere from 1-2 years based on its battery life. West emphasized the department’s consideration for the collar’s weight to ensure it does not burden the bear.
The bear’s journey across different parts of Los Angeles County has left experts puzzled about the reason behind its extensive travels. While the motive remains unclear, researchers are hopeful that ongoing studies will shed light on the bears’ behaviours and movements.
In summary, the use of GPS technology has revolutionized the monitoring and tracking of wildlife, providing valuable insights into the movements and behaviours of bears in California. The data obtained from Yellow 2291’s travels has contributed to a better understanding of bear movements and could potentially lead to further discoveries about these fascinating creatures.