Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) genetic profiles, 1998-2012

Two independent sampling methods were used to collect genetic samples from grizzly bears (Ursus arctos): (i) hair trapscorrals of barbed wire with lure in the center systematically distributed using an 8 x 8 km (1998, 2000) or 7 x 7 km (2004) grid and (ii) bear rubsnaturally occurring trees or other objects that bears rub on fitted with barbed wire (19982000, 2004, and 20092012). From 1998 to 2000, sampling occurred on 8000 km2 in the northern extent of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE), whereas systematic and consistent, ecosystem-wide sampling occurred in 2004 and 20092012. In total, there were 6 160 confirmed grizzly bear detections, leading to the identification of 1 115 unique individual genotypes (520 male, 595 female).