Scientists Attach GoPro to Polar Bears for an Up-Close Look at Their Natural Behavior
Observing polar bears in their natural habitat can be a dangerous endeavor, as these man-eating predators are not exactly friendly towards humans. However, a team of researchers from the US Geological Survey has found a creative solution to this problem: attaching GoPros to the bears themselves.
In 2014, the team led by Anthony Pagano equipped polar bears with camera collars, allowing them to film their own slice-of-life footage without putting anyone in harm's way. The resulting footage provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of these magnificent animals, offering insights that were previously unavailable.
Prior to this study, much of what was known about polar bears came from a 40-year-old research project. By attaching the camera collars, Pagano's team was able to observe the bears' hunting, eating, and resting behaviors in the frozen conditions of their natural habitat.
Pagano explained that the study focused on 'polar bear energy expenditure,' as these large animals require a significant amount of food to sustain their powerful bodies and hunting habits. The researchers ventured into areas as cold as -30C, which made it challenging to spend extended periods in the field.
He stated, 'There's very little information that exists on the basic behaviors of these animals on the sea ice. The video camera collars provide us with actual insights into what the bears are doing on the sea ice, their typical activity patterns, and how active they are. We can also see how often they catch seals and how often they spend trying to catch them, as well as how often they encounter other bears and exhibit other behaviors on the sea ice.'
Polar bears, as Pagano noted, are 'ambush predators' that linger in areas where they believe seals are present. They wait by breathing holes for extended periods, sometimes up to half a day, for a seal to surface for air. The footage captured by the GoPros shows the bears' hunting behavior, including the moment they spot a seal and charge in for the kill.
Pagano found the study fascinating, highlighting the dynamic nature of the sea ice environment and how the bears' behavior can vary from year to year based on the sea ice conditions. This research not only provides valuable insights into the lives of polar bears but also emphasizes the importance of understanding and protecting their natural habitat.
