There are telltale signs left in the reproductive tract after a
female bear has mated and given birth to cubs. The process of ovulation and
birth leaves visible scars inside the ovaries and uterus. Counts of scars in the
uterus tell us how many cubs were born. Counts of scars in the ovaries indicate
the number of eggs that were shed. No scars in either the ovary or the uterus
indicate the bear had not mated. This information, combined with the age of each
animal, tells us a great deal about what is going on in the bear population.
To remove the reproductive tract, please follow these instructions:
With the bear on its back, make a cut along the midline from the pelvis to the rib cage.
Pull the intestines forward and locate the urinary bladder.
Under the bladder will be the uterus and ovaries (Fig. 1).
Lift each ovary and cut away the connecting tissue (Fig. 2). Cut the uterus about 2 inches below where the 2 horns of the uterus meet (Fig. 3).
Place the uterus and attached ovaries in a plastic bag. Freeze if possible, but definitely keep it cold until it is turned in at a registration station.
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