Female brown bears are being hunted above what state biologists would like to see.

This is one of the findings provided by Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) biologist Anthony Crupi, in the latest data from a four-year study of brown bear population.

Crupi shared his research on the state of the brown bear population with the Upper Lynn Canal Fish and Game Advisory Committee on Jan. 18.

Crupi found that female harvesting rates exceeded ADF&G guidelines by 12%. ADF&G regulations allow no more than 40% of harvested bears to be female.

“We don’t want a lot of females taken,” ADF&G Regional Supervisor Tom Schumacher said.

Brown bear populations tend to grow very slowly, Schumacher said. Female brown bears will not produce cubs until they are at least five years old and will not abandon their cubs until their third summer. Brown bears may produce several litters, yet many cubs do not survive to independence.

Other aspects of Crupi’s research showed “nothing out of the ordinary,” Schumacher said, an optimistic trend after brown bear mortality rates skyrocketed in 2020. 2020 mortality rates were linked to poor salmon runs and limited berry crops, as well as bear attractants in town causing brown bears to be killed.

ADF&G has since emphasized the importance of limiting bear attractions in town.

This year’s research found population density to be “within the ballpark” of what the state expects given data from surrounding areas, Crupi said in his presentation.

Male bear survival was lower than averages of nearby areas. Female survival rates were similar to Yakutat and lower than other areas nearby. Female and male survival rates were both higher than those of 2020.

The study also considered causes of brown bear mortality. Crupi’s research found nearly half of bear mortality was a result of hunting.

“We hope that a larger proportion of the animals are being used for harvest rather than these other types of mortality,” Crupi said in his presentation.

Non-hunting mortality accounted for 16 percent of mortalities, including defense of life and property, agency kills, and unknown causes. Five percent of mortalities were unreported deaths.

“It will be important to account for this level of unreported mortality in future management plans,” Crupi said.

The bulk of Crupi’s fieldwork was completed last summer, Schumacher said, but Crupi’s research will continue through summer of 2023.

Crupi’s study was initiated in 2018 after female harvest rates exceeded ADF&G guidelines for several years. The project has since monitored 87 bears from the Chilkat Valley using collar tracking technology.

ADF&G will use the data to properly estimate the brown bear population in the Haines, Skagway and Klukwan area, as well as collecting data on survival, reproduction, movements, habitat use and characteristics of winter denning sites.