Alaska Biologist Develops Unique Bond with Grizzly Bears

Jordan Pruszenski's work monitoring barren-ground grizzlies in northeastern Alaska involves hands-on interactions with the animals.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Jordan Pruszenski, an assistant area biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks, has developed an uncommon closeness to a variety of wild animals through her work monitoring and studying them. This includes wrapping her arms around barren-ground grizzly bears in order to take measurements and install GPS collars with video cameras on them.

Why it matters

Pruszenski's work is helping to provide a better understanding of the barren-ground grizzly population in northeastern Alaska, which is a lesser-known subspecies of grizzly bear. Her hands-on approach and willingness to get up close with the bears demonstrates a dedication to wildlife research and conservation.

The details

As part of her job, Pruszenski darts bears from a helicopter with a tranquilizer gun, then lands and works with a graduate student to install GPS collars and take measurements of the animals. This includes wrapping her arms around the bears to measure their girth, which Pruszenski says allows her to appreciate the 'musty' scent of the bears' fur.

  • Pruszenski darts bears from a helicopter in the spring and summer.
  • Pruszenski and her team perform their measurements and install equipment on the tranquilized bears.

The players

Jordan Pruszenski

An assistant area biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks who works closely with grizzly bears and other wildlife in northeastern Alaska.

Ellery Vincent

A graduate student at Washington State University who works with Pruszenski on the grizzly bear research project.

Stan Pruszenski

Jordan Pruszenski's father, who was a plainclothes criminal investigator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 30 years.

Lincoln Parrett

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game Regional Supervisor who has encouraged Pruszenski's efforts to become a pilot for the department.

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What they’re saying

“The kind of work we do involves spending large amounts of time in confined spaces and high-stress situations together, and Jordan is able to get the job done and still make me laugh through all of it.”

— Ellery Vincent, Graduate student

“When you are doing this kind of work you are ultimately responsible for that animal's well-being while you are handling it. So, I am primarily focused on the seriousness of that responsibility.”

— Ellery Vincent, Graduate student

“She's hanging out of an R44 helicopter darting moose and bears. That's unique for anyone, especially a woman. Her mother (Mary Jo) and I are extremely proud of where's she's come and how she's gotten there.”

— Stan Pruszenski, Jordan Pruszenski's father

What’s next

Pruszenski and her team will continue their research on the barren-ground grizzly population, using the GPS collars and video cameras to gather more data on the bears' movements and behaviors during the short summer season in northeastern Alaska.

The takeaway

Pruszenski's hands-on approach to studying grizzly bears demonstrates a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and a willingness to get up close with these powerful animals in order to better understand and protect them.