[ODFW-News] Hunters reminded to submit bear teeth

[ODFW News]

For Immediate Release Monday, March 27, 2006
 
Hunters reminded to submit bear teeth 

SALEM - As spring bear hunters prepare for the April 1 and April 15
season openers throughout the state, Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife officials today reminded successful hunters that their help is
needed for an important study.  

State wildlife managers are asking every successful bear hunter to
submit a single premolar tooth from each harvested bear, as well as the
reproductive tracts of female bears. All bear hunters received a
specially marked, postage paid tooth envelope, which includes
instructions for removing and submitting teeth. 

ODFW is working on an important study designed to more accurately
estimate Oregon's bear population. Submission of premolar teeth and
female reproductive organs are critical to management efforts.

Biologists are using a unique method to mark bears and help direct black
bear management in the state. Last summer, researchers lured bears into
bait stations by hanging small sacks containing tetracycline capsules
wrapped in bacon. The chemical stains the bears' teeth, and the stain is
visible under ultraviolet light. The system allows researchers to
conduct a mark-recapture study to estimate the number of black bears in
Oregon.

"This program is crucial to ODFW's bear management efforts, but its
success depends on help from bear hunters," said Larry Cooper, ODFW
Wildlife Division assistant administrator. "Strong hunter participation
is essential to helping the department better manage Oregon's bears,
which means quality hunts for the future." 
 
The bear meat is safe to eat and will not stain the teeth of people who
eat the meat.
 
The higher the percentage of successful bear hunters who cooperate by
providing the requested teeth and reproductive organs, the better the
population estimate will be. Last year, only 30 percent of successful
hunters participated. 
 
Hunters are encouraged to contact local ODFW offices for assistance or
more information. Participating hunters will be notified of the age of
their bear once laboratory analysis is completed in about a year.  
 
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