Joint Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Proposal, 2012

Transcription

1 BHP Billiton Canada Inc. De Beers Canada Inc. Rio Tinto Canada Joint Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Proposal, 2012 Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. Sixth Floor West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6E 2J3 Tel: (604) Fax: (604) Golder Associates Ltd th Street East Saskatoon, SK Canada S7H 0T4 Tel: (306) Fax: (306) April 2012

2 JOINT REGIONAL GRIZZLY BEAR DNA PROPOSAL, 2012 DRAFT April 2012 Project # Citation: Rescan Joint Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Proposal, Prepared for BHP Billiton Canada Inc., De Beers Canada Inc., and Rio Tinto Canada by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.: Vancouver, British Columbia. Prepared for: BHP Billiton Canada Inc., De Beers Canada Inc., Rio Tinto Canada Prepared by: Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia Golder Associates Ltd. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

3 Joint Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Proposal, 2012 Table of Contents

4 JOINT REGIONAL GRIZZLY BEAR DNA PROPOSAL, 2012 Table of Contents Table of Contents... i List of Figures... i List of Plates... i 1. Introduction Objectives Methods Study Area Study Duration and Interval Sampling Frequency Hair Collection DNA Analysis Community Involvement Personnel Data Management Reporting Requirements / Deliverables Estimated Costs x 12 km Grid References... R-1 List of Figures FIGURE PAGE Figure Proposed EKATI-Diavik and Snap Lake-Gahcho Kue Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Study Areas 12 km Grid List of Plates PLATE PAGE Plate Solid base tripod design for the regional grizzly bear DNA study Plate Hair snagging tripod on esker habitat BHP BILLITON CANADA INC., DE BEERS CANADA INC., AND RIO TINTO CANADA i

5 Joint Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Proposal, Introduction

6 1. Introduction The conservation of grizzly bears is a high profile wildlife management issue in North America. The issue encompasses both concern about land use practices, and the impact of hunting and other human caused mortality (Mowat et al. 2005). Industrial resource extraction activities threaten the persistence of grizzly bears (Banci et al. 1994, Clark et al. 1996, McLellan 1998) by fragmenting habitats that were free of human disturbance and increasing access to previously remote landscapes (Nielsen et al. 2004). As with other species, effective conservation of grizzly bears requires an understanding of population abundance, distribution and connectivity and the factors that influence associated trends through space and time (Apps 2010). This is particularly relevant to grizzly bears given their low ecological resilience (Weaver et al. 1996) and vulnerability to population decline and range contraction due to anthropogenic impacts (Mattson and Merrill 2002). Threats are both direct and indirect and relate to unsustainable human-caused mortality, degradation of habitat quality and effectiveness, and cumulative effects from multiple sources (Apps 2010). The life history traits of grizzly bears generally limit the resilience of populations threatened by human disturbance (McLoughlin et al. 2003b). Late age at maturity, small litter sizes, and long interbirth intervals maintain low intrinsic rates of increase for grizzly bears (McLoughlin et al. 2003b). As a result, the northwestern (BC, YT, AB, NT, NU) population of grizzly bears is considered to be of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2002). Grizzly bears, however, are quite diverse in their life history patterns (Ferguson and McLoughlin 2000) and not all sub-populations are equally resilient or susceptible to human activities (McLoughlin et al. 2003b). Barren-ground grizzly bears may be at particular risk to population decline for several reasons (McLoughlin et al. 2002): they are at the northern and easternmost limit of the range for North American grizzly bears and have limited connectivity to southern populations; bears in tundra habitats are more likely to be displaced by human activity due to lack of available security cover (McLellan 1990); barren-ground grizzly bears exhibit the lowest densities of all North American grizzly bear populations (McLoughlin et al. 1999); and they have very large spatial requirements (McLoughlin et al. 1999; 2003a), which could put bears in contact with humans even when developments are at considerable distances from core home ranges. Estimating carnivore abundance is central to their conservation; however, options for estimating carnivore population size are few and often require specific circumstances or assumptions that are difficult to meet (Mowat and Strobeck 2000). Wildlife researchers use various forms of ear tags, colored bands, neck collars, radiotransmitters, and natural markings to identify and track individual animals under field conditions. Each method has its advantages and limitations. The ideal mark would be noninvasive, highly visible, clearly read, inexpensive, and permanent (Woods et al. 1999). Genetic tags in the form of microsatellite genotypes have the potential to meet several of these criteria, and advances in technology are making DNA methods accessible at the field level (Woods et al. 1999). In addition to individual identification, DNA samples can be used to confirm sex (Taberlet et al. 1993), species, genetic population structure (Proctor et al. 2005), and individual genealogies (Haig 1998). Several studies have obtained DNA from free-ranging animals using alternative tissue sources: feces from grizzly bears (Höss et al. 1992), black bears (Wasser et al. 1997), and seals (Pinnipedia, Reed et al. 1997); and hair from American marten (Martes americana, Foran et al. 1997), grizzly bears (Taberlet et al. 1993, Taberlet et al. 1997), and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes, Morin et al. 1994). BHP BILLITON CANADA INC., DE BEERS CANADA INC., AND RIO TINTO CANADA 1-1

7 JOINT REGIONAL GRIZZLY BEAR DNA PROPOSAL, 2012 DRAFT - WITHOUT PREJUDICE Roots of mammalian hair contain sufficient DNA for analysis (Higuchi et al. 1988). For free-ranging bears, hair is an attractive DNA source because bears frequently leave hair on rub trees, in beds, and at foraging sites (Taberlet et al. 1993). Because bears are readily attracted by scent lures, methods to obtain hair samples from free-ranging bears permits systematic sampling regimes necessary for many ecological studies, such as animal censuses (Woods et al. 1999). In mark-recapture studies, an initial population sample is captured, marked, and released. The population is then resampled during 1 additional sessions (Woods et al. 1999). The ratio of newly captured animals to recaptures is then used to compute a population estimate (White et al. 1982). Genetic tags can replace conventional marks in these studies if the tags reliably identify individuals during a series of sampling sessions (Woods et al. 1999). Estimating bear population size is difficult and only has been achieved in conjunction with intensive effort (McLellan 1989, Garshelis 1992). Recent efforts to develop bear inventory methods have involved the use of mark-recapture modeling (Mowat and Strobeck 2000). Researchers have used live capture to mark bears and then recaptured bears using camera stations (Mace et al. 1994), aerial survey (Larsen and Markel 1989), and hair removal and DNA fingerprinting analysis (Proctor et al. 2005). Most recently, hair removal and DNA fingerprinting have been used to mark and recapture bears (Woods et al. 1999; Poole et al. 2001, Mowat and Strobeck 2000, Boulanger et al. 2002, Proctor et al. 2005, Apps et al. 2006). This latter method has several benefits as live capture of bears is unnecessary, individuals can be identified with a small risk of error, and hair removal sites are faster to set up and are checked less often than live-capture sites (Mowat and Strobeck 2000). Simpler logistics allow a study design that comes closer to meeting the assumptions and sample size requirements of current mark-recapture techniques (Mowat and Strobeck 2000). Potential impacts to barren ground grizzly bears associated with mining activities are assumed to be minimal, but without detailed information about population status, testing this assumption is difficult. Recommendations from regulators and monitoring agencies at a technical workshop held on June 28, 2010 and from communities at a workshop held on October 5 and 6, 2010, included that the mining industry collaborate together on a large scale regional grizzly bear program to assess population status and monitor trends over the long term. In response, the three diamond mining companies (BHP Billiton Canada (BHP), RioTInto Canada (RTC), and De Beers Canada (DBC)) operating in the central barrens of the Northwest Territories have agreed to work together on a large scale, long term grizzly bear DNA mark-recapture program. 1.1 OBJECTIVES While site-specific activities such as waste management, recording of incidental sightings, and deterrent efforts will continue at each project location, the objective of the regional program is intended to supersede other regional objectives such as determining zone of influence. The population data collected will be provided to the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) to assess cumulative impacts, and contribute to their grizzly bear management plan. Specifically, the objective of the grizzly bear DNA program is to: o Determine if mine mine-related activities influence the relative abundance and distribution of grizzly bears over time. 1-2 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ# /REV B.1) APRIL 2012

8 Joint Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Proposal, Methods

9 2. Methods 2.1 STUDY AREA Two separate study areas have been delineated; a northern study area in the Lac de Gras region (coordinated by BHP and RTC) and a southern study area in the transition zone north of treeline (coordinated by DBC). The designation of two study areas considers that both regions are likely to differ significantly in grizzly bear density, and sampling will be conducted in alternate years. A grid pattern consisting of 12x12 km cells will be utilized (Figure 2.1-1), based on an approximation of a 2-week home range of female barren ground grizzly bears. The 12x12 km grid consists of 111 and 101 cells in the northern (~16,000 km 2 ) and southern (~14,500 km 2 ) study areas, respectively. These are the maximum number of cells. The final number will depend on a desk top exercise that will omit those cells that are predominantly under water or otherwise contain inherently poor grizzly bear habitat (e.g., > 80% boulder field). In total, a study area of approximately 30,000 km 2 is being proposed, shared collectively amongst the three diamond mine companies. 2.2 STUDY DURATION AND INTERVAL Sampling will occur over two years. Sampling of the northern study area will commence in 2012 and continue in Sampling in the southern study area will commence in 2013 and continue in Modeling of population demographics is unlikely to be significantly impacted by the alternating years. Subsequent sampling to monitor trends will occur in 4 year intervals to approximate grizzly bear reproductive intervals (ie, skip 3 years and recommence on the 4 th year). The three companies will align their sampling efforts in future years. The next sampling period for both study areas will be 2016 and SAMPLING FREQUENCY In British Columbia (BC), the recommendation is 3-4 checks (Apps 2010), but the ecology of BC grizzly bears is very different than barren ground grizzly bears. Home ranges and movements are considerably larger amongst barren ground grizzly bears, and their densities are much lower. The objective is not to calculate an absolute population number or population density, but to monitor trends. Under a trend monitoring objective, assumptions about population closure can be relaxed but initial conditions need to be intensively sampled in order to detect future changes. Subsequent sampling efforts can be scaled back, and those changes in effort can be quantified in future modeling efforts. Under a trend monitoring objective, it is important to capture shifts in movements due to seasonal foraging strategies that might bring grizzly bears into contact with mine sites on a seasonal basis. As a result, 6 sampling sessions are proposed, to occur approximately between early June and late August in each year of sampling. Under the stated objective and the intent of providing data to ENR for assessment and management of cumulative effects, and considering the large movements and home ranges of grizzly bears in the north, 6 sessions are considered to be the most appropriate for acquiring baseline data on the number of bears that may interact with the mines. A fundamental aspect for developing statistically robust population models and analyses is to identify as many of the individuals in the population unit as possible at the onset of the study program. This effort is required so that recapture rates are high in subsequent sampling years, which increases the precision and reliability of parameter estimates (e.g., abundance, distribution, survival and recruitment rates). Once initial conditions and parameters are defined, future sampling can be scaled back to 4 sessions. Each sampling session will be no longer than 2 weeks (14 days) as sample degradation has been observed in samples left uncollected for more than 14 days (M. Dumond, pers. comm.). Moderate degradation has been observed in day old samples, but it is not logistically feasible at this scale to reduce the sampling interval to 10 days. BHP BILLITON CANADA INC., DE BEERS CANADA INC., AND RIO TINTO CANADA 2-1

10 DRAFT - WITHOUT PREJUDICE gis no. EKA b Job No March ± Nunavut Northwest Territories Alaska Greenland YT NT NU BC AB SK MB ON QC [ Ekati Lac de Gras [ Diavik Diamond Mine MacKay Lake Aylmer Lake [ Snap Lake [ Gahcho Kué [ Project Location Regional Study Area Study Area 1 Study Area 2 Treeline 1:1,500, Kilometres Projection: UTM12, NAD Great Slave Lake Proposed EKATI-Diavik and Snap Lake-Gahcho Kue Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Study Areas - 12 km Grid Artillery Lake FIGURE

11 DRAFT - WITHOUT PREJUDICE METHODS 2.4 HAIR COLLECTION A wooden tripod with a fixed base and the legs wrapped in barbed wire will be used to collect grizzly bear hair (Plate 2.4-1). Within each cell, the wooden tripod will be located in an area of high quality grizzly bear habitat (e.g., esker, riparian area, upland meadow, wetland meadow) to increase the likelihood of capturing a bear (Plate 2.4-2). Plate Solid base tripod design for the regional grizzly bear DNA study. Non-reward lures (e.g., cured cows blood, fish oil, castor oil, commercial bear bait, and sweeter scented oils) will be used to attract bears to the tripods. The lures are poured on the top of the posts, down the legs, and in the centre on the ground to encourage a bear to squeeze between the legs. The posts will not be relocated between each sampling period; therefore, a novel scent combination will be used each session to prevent habituation. It is anticipated that anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 hair samples may be collected. A sub-sampling protocol has been established with Wildlife Genetics International (WGI) that has been demonstrated to work at large scales. Samples will be clustered in the field according to post and consecutive barbs. Each leg of the tripod will be considered a separate sampling unit (e.g., P1, P2, and P3). Starting from top to bottom on each post, all samples will be defined as part of a single cluster if they are located on consecutive barbs. It is assumed that samples in a cluster are from the same individual. A new cluster is defined following an empty barb. A label may look like P1-1a, where P1 is the post and 1a is the cluster and hair ID. Following a pre-screening protocol to omit low quality samples, one high quality sample chosen from each cluster will be analyzed for species confirmation, sex, and genotype using established microsatellite techniques. WGI will choose these samples according to their DNA extraction requirements. BHP BILLITON CANADA INC., DE BEERS CANADA INC., AND RIO TINTO CANADA 2-3

12 DRAFT - WITHOUT PREJUDICE JOINT REGIONAL GRIZZLY BEAR DNA PROPOSAL, 2012 Plate Hair snagging tripod on esker habitat. 2.5 DNA ANALYSIS Widllife Genetics International (WGI), Nelson, BC will conduct all DNA extraction and analyses. Included in their services is the development of a database that provides individual identification and a capture history for each individual. The capture history can then be used in the program MARK to estimate population parameters. WGI further compares captured individuals to other existing databases in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to determine if any overlaps exist. It is anticipated that the Pradel model for open populations will be appropriate for this dataset. 2.6 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT There is opportunity for community involvement in the program. For example, community elders will be directly involved in the field selection of sampling locations for all the posts. Elders will also be asked to provide a set of guidelines or criteria for locating posts, which can be used in future to provide consistency in sampling. Community members will also be hired to participate in the collection of hair samples. 2.7 PERSONNEL A recent graduate from an undergraduate program in natural resources management, ecology, or other relevant program will be hired as an intern to assist with the coordination of the program and to conduct all sampling activities. The intent is to alleviate the burden from the onsite technicians that are exceptionally busy during the summer period. Both Brian Milakovic (Ph.D.) from Rescan and John Virgl (Ph.D.) from Golder will be responsible for the oversight of the program. 2-4 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ# /REV B.1) APRIL 2012

13 METHODS 2.8 DATA MANAGEMENT The intern will collect, catalogue, and store all the hair samples following established protocols. The intern will also conduct all associated data entry, which will include numbers of hair samples collected, sites where they were collected, and individual sample numbers. The onsite technicians (or junior consultants) will be responsible for QA/QC. 2.9 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS / DELIVERABLES By approving this regional grizzly bear DNA program, ENR agrees the program satisfies the monitoring requirements of each project to monitor potential impacts to grizzly bears. Each project has different reporting requirements for their respective wildlife programs. It is proposed that reporting consist of a short field report in the fall following year 1 of sampling, an interim annual report that summarizes DNA analyses the subsequent winter, a second field report in the fall following the second summer, and a final technical report and a plain language summary. Only one final report might be submitted on behalf of all four projects. It is believed this will streamline the reporting process, and ensure that all the communities receive consistent information. However, at the outset of this multi-year program, there may be separate reporting formats for the northern and southern study areas given the staggered commencement dates. For the northern program, for example, the reporting schedule may be: o Field Summary, fall 2012 o Interim DNA Report, winter 2013 o Field summary, fall 2013 o Final report and plain language summary, winter 2014 (or winter 2015 for the whole regional program pending completion of the southern study area) BHP BILLITON CANADA INC., DE BEERS CANADA INC., AND RIO TINTO CANADA 2-5

14 Joint Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Proposal, Estimated Costs

15 3. Estimated Costs X 12 KM GRID Assuming that 25 posts can be checked in a day, and a day consists of 6 hours of helicopter time and a rate of $1,300/hour for a Bell 206 long ranger: 1. Northern Study Area (111 cells): Helicopter: 5 days x 6 hours/day x $1300/hour x 6 checks: $234,000 Fuel: 180 barrels DNA Analysis: $30,000 Lures: $10,000 Intern: $12,000 Community Assistants (2): $18,000 Consulting Fees (field support, training, reporting, etc.): $25,000 TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $327, Southern Study Area (101 cells): Helicopter: 4 days x 6 hours/day x $1300/hour x 6 checks: $187,200 Fuel: 144 barrels DNA Analysis: $30,000 Lures: $10,000 Intern: $12,000 Community Assistants (2): $14,400 Consulting Fees (field support, training, reporting, etc.): $25,000 TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $278, Shared Costs - Final Report: $20,000 BHP BILLITON CANADA INC., DE BEERS CANADA INC., AND RIO TINTO CANADA 3-1

16 Joint Regional Grizzly Bear DNA Proposal, 2012 References

17 References Apps, C. D., B. N. McLellan, and J. G. Woods Landscape partitioning and spatial inferences of competition between black and grizzly bears. Ecography 29: Apps. C Grizzly bear population inventory and monitoring strategy for British Columbia. Ministry of Environment and Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Victoria, British Columbia. Banci, V., D.A. Demarchi, and W.R. Archibald Evaluation of the population status of grizzly bears in Canada. International Conference on Bear Research and Management 9: Boulanger, J., G.C. White, B.N. McLellan, J.G. Woods, M.F. Proctor, and S. Himmer A metaanalysis of grizzly bear DNA mark recapture projects in British Columbia. Ursus 13: Clark, T.W., A.P. Curlee, and R.P. Reading Crafting effective solutions to the large carnivore conservation problem. Conservation Biology 10: COSEWIC COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. Ferguson, S.G., and P.D. McLoughlin Effect of energy availability, seasonality, and geographic range on brown bear life history. Ecography 23: Foran, D.R., S.C. Minta, and K.S. Heinemeyer DNA-based analysis of hair to identify species and individuals for population research and monitoring. Wildlife Society Bulletin 25, Garshelis, D.L Mark-recapture estimation for animals with large home ranges. Pages in D.R. McCullough and R.H. Barrett (eds.) Wildlife 2001: Populations. Elsiver Applied Sciences, London. Government of Nunavut (Department of Environment) Government of Nunavut Request Concerning HBML Hope Bay Final Environmental Impact Statement. NIRB File: 02-MN- 134/[147]. Haig S.M Molecular contributions to conservation. Ecology 79: Higuchi, R., C.H. von Beroldingeng, F. Sensansugh, and H.A. Erlich DNA typing from single hairs. Nature 332: Hoss, M, M. Kohn, F. Knauer, W. Schroder, and S. Paabo Excrement analysis by PCR. Nature 359: Larsen, D.G. and R.L. Markel, R.L A preliminary estimate of grizzly bear abundance in the southwest Yukon. Unpublished report, Yukon Fish and Wildlife Branch, Whitehorse, 52 pp. Mace, R.D., S.C. Minta, T.L. Manley, and K.A. Aune Estimating grizzly bear population size using camera sightings. Wildlife Society Bulletin 22: Mattson, D.J., and T. Merrill Extirpations of grizzly bears in the contiguous United States, Conservation Biology 16: McLellan, B.N Population dynamics of grizzly bears during a period of resource extraction. III. Natality and rate of change. Canadian Journal of Zoology 67: McLellan, B.N Relationships between human in-dustriala ctivity and grizzly bears. International Conference on Bear Research and Management 8: BHP BILLITON CANADA INC., DE BEERS CANADA INC., AND RIO TINTO CANADA R-1

18 JOINT REGIONAL GRIZZLY BEAR DNA PROPOSAL, 2012 DRAFT - WITHOUT PREJUDICE McLellan, B.N Maintaining viability of brown bears along the southern fringe of their distribution. Ursus 10: McLoughlin, P.D., H.D. Cluff, and F. Messier, F Denning ecology of barren-ground grizzly bears in the central Arctic. Journal of Mammalogy 83: McLoughlin, P.D., H.D. Cluff, R.J. Gau, R. Mulders, R.L. Case, and F. Messier. 2003a. Effect of spatial differences in habitat and home ranges of grizzly bears. Ecoscience 10: McLoughlin, P.D., M.K. Taylor, H.D. Cluff, R.J. Gau, R. Mulders, R.L. Case, and F. Messier. 2003b. Population viability of barren-ground grizzly bears in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Arctic 56: McLoughlin, P.D., R.L. CASE, R.J. GAU, S.H. FERGUSON, and F. MESSIER, F Annual and seasonal movement patterns of barren-ground grizzly bears in the central Northwest Territories. Ursus 11: Miramar Hope Bay Ltd. (Miramar) Final Environmental Impact Statement, Doris North Project, Nunavut, Canada. Miramar Hope Bay Limited. Morin, P.A., J.J. Moore, R. Chakraborty, L. Jin, J. Goodall, and D.S. Woodruff Kin selection, social structure, gene flow, and the evolution of chimpanzees. Science 265: Mowat, G. and C. Strobeck Estimating population size of grizzly bears using hair capture, DNA profiling, and mark-recapture analysis. Journal of Wildlife Management. 64: Mowat, G., D.C. Heard, D.R. Seip, K.G. Poole, G. Stenhouse and D.W. Paetkau Grizzly and black bear densities in the interior mountains of North America. Wildlife Biology 11: Nielsen, S.E., R.H.M. Munro, E. Bainbridge, M.S. Boyce, and G.B. Stenhouse Grizzly bears and forestry II: distribution of grizzly bear foods in clearcuts of west-central Alberta, Canada. Forest Ecology and Management 199: northeastern British Columbia, Canada. Wildlife Biology 7: Poole, K.G., G. Mowat, and D.A. Fear DNA-based population estimate for grizzly bears in Proctor, M.F., B.N. McLellan, C. Strobeck, and R.M.R. Barclay Genetic analysis reveals demographic fragmentation of grizzly bears yielding vulnerably small populations. Proceedings of the Royal Society Bulletin: 1-8. Reed, J.Z., D.J. Tollit, P.M. Thompson, and W. Amos Molecular scatology: the use of molecular genetic analysis to assign species, sex and individual identity to seal faeces. Molecular Ecology 6: Taberlet, P., H. Mattock, C. Dubois-Paganon, and J. Bouvet Sexing free-ranging brown bears Ursus arctos using hairs found in the field. Molecular Ecology 2: Taberlet, P., J.J. Camarra, S. Griffin, E. Uhres, O. Hanotte, L.P. Waits,C. Dubois-Paganon, T. Burke, J. Bouvet Noninvasive genetic tracking of the endangered Pyrenean brown bear population. Molecular Ecology 6: Wasser, S.K., C.S. Houston, G.M. Koehler, G.G. Cadd, and S.R. Fain Techniques for application of faecal DNA methods to field studies of Ursids. Molecular Ecology 6: Weaver, P.M., P.C. Paquet, and L.F. Ruggiero Resilience and conservation of large carnivores in the Rocky Mountains. Conservation Biology 10: R-2 RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ# /REV B.1) APRIL 2012

19 REFERENCES White, G.C., D.R. Anderson, K.P. Burnham, and D.L. Otis Capture recapture and removal methods for sampling closed populations. Report LA NERP, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA. Woods, J.G., D. Paetkau, D. Lewis, B.N. McLellan, M. Proctor, C. Strobeck Genetic tagging of free-ranging black and brown bears. Wildlife Society Bulletin 27: BHP BILLITON CANADA INC., DE BEERS CANADA INC., AND RIO TINTO CANADA R-3