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How researchers are tracking polar bears in a new way

 Peter Detwiler, North Slope Borough wildlife technician, samples polar bear footprints in snow.
University of Idaho
/
Jennifer Adams
Peter Detwiler, North Slope Borough wildlife technician, samples polar bear footprints in snow.

Researchers at the University of Idaho have recently discovered a new way to distinguish individual polar bears in the wild, using their tracks.

This noninvasive method collects DNA from the animals' paw prints, allowing scientists to monitor the bear populations without disturbing them.

Research Scientist Jennifer Adams and Lisette Waits, Distinguished Professor with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences with U of I join Idaho Mattes to talk more about this new research.

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Hi, my name is Hannah and I’m the assistant producer for the Idaho Matters show here at BSPR. If you have a suggestion for an Idaho Matters segment, please email idahomatters@boisestate.edu.