ALEXANDRA LANGWIEDER
WORKING WITH NORTHERN COMMUNITIES TO STUDY POLAR BEARS
through collaborative research
Welcome!
I'm a third year PhD Candidate at McGill University. In 2021, we partnered with the Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board, Cree Trappers' Association, and Cree Nations of Waskaganish, Eastmain, Wemindji, and Chisasibi to address community research priorities in the Eeyou Marine Region of eastern James Bay (Canada). Polar bears were highlighted by communities as a high priority and we needed research that was led locally to support regional wildlife management decision making. Polar bears rely on sea ice as a platform for hunting and movement and are globally threatened by sea ice loss due to climate change. At the southern limit of their species range, polar bears in James Bay face some of the most extreme climate warming across their global range.
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We developed a research program led by communities to gather non-invasive samples from polar bears using hair snares and camera trap sampling stations. So far, this work has provided needed insights into polar bear genetics and distribution. We are currently working on questions related to polar bear distribution, genetics, diet, and latitudinal differences between subpopulations.
Addressing the lack of community leadership and involvement in polar bear research is one of our main objectives and we have since partnered with territorial and regional governments to launch this program in 11 more communities across the Arctic.
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Our "Projects" page has more information about each of the places we are working and upcoming opportunities for students. Please reach out if you have any questions!
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Hair snare and camera trap sampling station diagram showing bear crossing wire and leaving a hair sample. The camera trap takes photos of the bear which provides information on age class, body condition, and how bears are interacting with the station.
