USGS Alaska Science Center Polar Bear Maternal Dens

George Durner

doi:10.15468/yuxjfv

USGS Alaska Science Center Polar Bear Maternal Dens

Citation

Durner G, Benson A (2016). USGS Alaska Science Center Polar Bear Maternal Dens. Version 2.2. United States Geological Survey. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/yuxjfv accessed via GBIF.org on 2020-07-14.

Description

This report presents data on the approximate locations and methods of discovery of 392 polar bear (Ursus maritimus) maternal dens found in the Beaufort Sea and neighboring regions between 1910 and 2010 that are archived by the U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska. A description of data collection methods, biases associated with collection method, primary time periods, and spatial resolution are provided. Polar bears in the Beaufort Sea and nearby regions den on both the sea ice and on land. Standardized VHF surveys and satellite radio telemetry data provide a general understanding of where polar bears have denned in this region over the past 3 decades. Den observations made during other research activities and anecdotal reports from other government agencies, coastal residents, and industry personnel also are reported. Data on past polar bear maternal den locations are provided to inform the public and to provide information for natural resource agencies in planning activities to avoid or minimize interference with polar bear maternity dens.

Additional info

marine, harvest by iOBIS

Taxonomic Coverages

Geographic Coverages

Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea of northern Alaska, Canada, and Russia

Bibliographic Citations

Contacts

George Durner
originator
position: Research Zoologist
U.S. Geological Survey
4210 University Drive
Anchorage
99508-4626
AK
US
email: gdurner@usgs.gov

Abigail Benson
metadata author
position: Biologist
U.S. Geological Survey
email: albenson@usgs.gov

Abigail Benson
user
position: Biologist
U.S. Geological Survey
email: albenson@usgs.gov

George Durner
administrative point of contact
position: Research Zoologist
U.S. Geological Survey
4210 University Drive
Anchorage
99508-4626
AK
US
email: gdurner@usgs.gov