A ground breaking Maine black bear study involving Unity College students continues to spark the imagination and garner support.

One year ago the comprehensive study, which directly involves undergraduates capturing and tagging bears, received support when a pilot donated his services to help track tagged bears.  Funded primarily by the College, the College accepts donations to supplement that support.  The study is now attracting foundation support.

The Venator Foundation has supported the Unity College bear study foundation with a generous donation of trail surveillance cameras and protective cases.

“The cameras and protective cases are ideal for bear surveillance,” noted Associate Professor George Matula, who is in charge of the study.  “The cameras provide insight into bear behavior, and the cases protect against curious bears and human theft.”

The cameras will be used to monitor pre-bait sites, hair snare sites, and trapping sites at locations in the study area near Unity College in Unity, Maine.

Since it began in 2013, the study has gathered valuable information about the Maine black bear population in central Maine.   The recently released one-year study offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of bears, and raised the important question as to why bears in central Maine appear to be growing at a faster rate than bears in other parts of Maine.  The study is believed to be the only one of its kind in the United States led by undergraduate students who track, trap, and study bears.

The general public is encouraged to call any bear sightings in to the Unity study at (207) 509-7269, or e-mail jwhelan@unity.edu. “The information received will help us focus our research efforts,” said Matula.