Researchers are testing new radar technology to locate polar bear dens

Researchers from Simon Fraser University  and Brigham Young University are testing new technology to more effectively locate polar bear dens across the Arctic. They aim to improve detection tools for finding these nearly invisible and snow-covered dens to protect mother polar bears and their cubs. The pilot study in Churchill, Manitoba, used the ARTEMIS Inc. imaging system, based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and found that SAR increased den detection by more than 20%, reaching a 66% accuracy rate, surpassing the current industry-standard 45% accuracy with the Forward Looking Infrared system. (Environmental News Network)