Grizzly Bears Captured on Collar Cams in Alaska's North Slope

Researchers study remote population using innovative technology

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Researchers at Washington State University and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are using collar cameras to study a remote population of grizzly bears on Alaska's North Slope, providing a rare firsthand look at how these animals survive in the rugged and desolate region.

Why it matters

The North Slope is home to one of the most remote grizzly bear populations in the world, and studying their behavior and habitat through the use of innovative collar camera technology offers valuable insights that can inform conservation efforts and our understanding of these animals.

The details

The collar cameras provide researchers with a bear's-eye view of the grizzlies' daily lives, including foraging, denning, and interacting with other bears. This data is crucial for understanding the challenges these bears face in the harsh North Slope environment and how they adapt to survive.

  • The research project using collar cameras on North Slope grizzlies began in 2025.

The players

Washington State University

A public research university located in Pullman, Washington, that is collaborating on the grizzly bear research project.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

The state agency responsible for managing Alaska's wildlife, including the grizzly bears on the North Slope, and partnering on this research effort.

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What they’re saying

“The collar cameras provide us with an unprecedented look into the lives of these bears, allowing us to better understand how they navigate the harsh conditions of the North Slope.”

— Mark Thiessen, Researcher (journalnow.com)

What’s next

The researchers plan to continue the collar camera study on the North Slope grizzlies, expanding the project to track more bears and gather additional data over time.

The takeaway

The innovative use of collar cameras to study one of the most remote grizzly bear populations in the world provides valuable insights that can inform conservation efforts and our understanding of how these animals adapt to survive in harsh, desolate environments.