Population estimates of brown bears near Yakutat, Alaska using a Bayesian integrated population model

Abstract

This paper discusses the specification of an Integrated Population Model (IPM) for the brown bear (Ursus arctos) population within and near Yakutat, Alaska. A Bayesian analysis is used in this paper in conjunction with Markov Chain Monte Carlo in order to produce the results. The goal of this project is to estimate the number of brown bears over multiple years. This project was made possible in collaboration with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Department of Wildlife Conservation through Anthony Crupi and Jason Waite.