GPS Tracking Devices Helps Scientists Follow Bears

GPS technology has many uses, from keeping costs down for businesses to being able to monitor your teenagers driving habits. One use that people wouldn’t think of is the ability to monitor and protect wild animals.

A group of scientists in America are using GPS technology to study the travel patterns and habits of grizzly bears in Yellowstone Park. Scientists attach GPS tracking collars to tranquillised bears, these collars are programmed to release when the battery dies.

Scientists are using both Passive and real time tracking devices, passive devices are far cheaper than real time tracking devices but don’t offer the flexibility that real time tracking devices offer. Real time tracking devices mean scientists can use software to locate and follow the bear’s movements, before these devices became available tracking had to be done on foot which used to be extremely expensive and in most cases scientists would lose track of the bear.

Another added advantage in using GPS tracking collars is the disturbance caused to the animal is minimal, apart from having to tranquilize the animal and the time it takes for the animal to get used to it. Scientists are incredibly excited about the future possibilities that GPS tracking can help in the study of animals.