Using Visual Observations to Compare the Behavior of Previously Immobilized and Non-Immobilized Wild Polar Bears

During 17 field seasons between 1973 and 1999, we conducted a long-term study of the behavior undisturbed wild polar bears in Radstock Bay, southwest Devon Island, Nunavut. In subset 11 (6 spring 5 summer) 1975 1997, used three different drug combinations to chemically immobilize small number adult subadult on an opportunistic basis applied temporary dye mark so that individual could be visually reidentified. We then multinomial logistic regression compare 35 previously immobilized five demographic classes (sex, age, reproductive status) non-immobilized same years seasons. first two days after immobilization, slept significantly more spent less time hunting than did had not been immobilized. However, returned behavioral patterns proportion total as within no further negative effects were detected following 21 d. confirmed successful by 0.4 2.1 d being immobilized, all which went make additional kills 24 h. The return normal patterns, including ability hunt successfully, 48 h immobilization appears consistent with hypothesis do experience longer-term brief chemical for conservation management purposes.