‘We aren’t studying the DNA of bears; we’re using the DNA to study the population of bears – an important difference that sometimes gets overshadowed.’

Name: Jeff stetz
Location: West Glacier, Montana
Age: 37
Years on job: 12

When Jeff Stetz was a kid, he wanted to be a pilot – but a love of large animals turned him on to conservation instead. Now the 37-year-old studies the dynamics of threatened grizzly and black bear populations in the Northern Rockies. He practises non-invasive sampling, securing strands of fur from trees where bears scratch their backs, then sends the fur to a lab for DNA analysis. “We need to understand how our actions impact on wildlife populations,” Stetz says. “Grizzlies are a true symbol of the wild and a huge part of America’s culture. Failing to ensure their persistence would be unforgivable.” – Laura Kiniry

1. Bear spray
The active ingredient capsaicin, derived from chilli peppers, incapacitates bears by temporarily stinging the eyes, nose and throat. Stetz used it once – on a cougar. “He never looked aggressive, just curious,” Stetz says. “But he came within 5 metres, so I sprayed.”

2. Passive infrared motion detector
By sensing a change in infrared energy, this device detects movement up to 30 m away and triggers a hi-def video camera, which can record an hour of video.

3. Barbed wire
To collect grizzly hair, Stetz affixes four strands of 38 cm barbed wire to trees at known rub spots. “Grizzlies are immensely tough animals,” Stetz says. “It’s more likely that they enjoy the improved back scratch that barbed wire provides than feel any pain.”

4. GPS and MAP
When he’s in the field, Stetz treks an average of 24 km through the backcountry. He uses a GPS unit as a guide and to mark the exact location of rub spots. “The map is vital as a planning tool and a back-up for when the GPS fails,” Stetz says.

5. Still camera
This 6 megapixel point-andshoot has been retrofitted to communicate with the infrared sensor, which triggers the camera to snap a picture when a bear lumbers by. Stetz runs the camera only during daylight to capture the most detailed shots. The pictures and video show scientists how bears behave. “These are smart animals,” Stetz says, “each with their own personality.”