Behavioural responses of brown bears to helicopter capture

Understanding the effects of capture and handling on wild animals is crucial in evaluating ethical practices in ecological research, and in avoiding biased conclusions from misinterpreting biologging data potentially affected by capture. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of helicopter capture on the behaviour of Scandinavian brown bears by comparing the expression of specific behavioural states between captured bears in spring and bears of a control group that were not captured during the same time period. We identified three different behavioural states: stationary, walking/foraging and transit. Our study revealed that captured bears were more stationary for up to four days after capture compared to bears of the control group, depending on their reproductive state. We found higher doses of the immobilizing drug, as well as abdominal surgery, to negatively impact the bears' movement after capture, highlighting the importance of careful consideration of drug doses and invasive procedures during wildlife capture. This study advances our understanding of the impact of helicopter capture and surgery on the movement of brown bears and helps to refine capture and handling protocols to ensure well-being and welfare during wildlife capture.

Univ Inland Norway
Northern Michigan University
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Norwegian Institute Nature Research
University of Munich