A hungry bear is a grumpy bear!

A study conducted by the University of Victoria, the University of Calgary and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation has discovered that coastal grizzly bears are more likely to behave aggressively when salmon numbers are low. A smaller salmon run means greater competition for food and does not a happy grizzly make.

It was revealed that coastal grizzlies had higher that average testosterone levels (helpful in winning a fight) and lower cortisol levels (good for regulating long-term stress) than other bears. In other words, when planning a winter hike in bear territory, keep in mind that a bear who would not view you as a snack may have their judgment clouded by hormones and hunger – a dangerous combination.

Check out the study here to learn more about how conditions can be improved through fishing regulations.

Posted by websitedev
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