Polar Bear

Collection of Traditional Knowledge

A Chukotka hunter identifies polar bear habitat in Russia. Charlie Johnson/Alaska Nanuuq Commission

From living in the Arctic environment, indigenous people of the circumpolar north possess unique traditional knowledge regarding polar bears, their habitat, and the Arctic ecosystem. Past and ongoing efforts to document traditional knowledge of polar bear habitat use and integrate it with western science has and continues to improve polar bear conservation and management. A report entitled “Collection of Local Knowledge Regarding Polar Bear Habitat Use In Alaska” is available by contacting Susanne Miller at 1-800-362-5148. The report describes TEK provided by Alaska polar bear hunters regarding polar bear denning and feeding areas, and seasonal movements. This report is also available in Russian.

In 2004, a report documenting polar bear habitat use in Russia is scheduled to be translated into English; it will be available from the Alaska Nanuuq Commission in Nome, Alaska. Contact Charlie Johnson at 907-443-5044 for further information.

Last updated: September 10, 2008