By MontanaOutdoor.com Staff
Wildlife researchers are exploring a groundbreaking application of artificial intelligence that could transform how agencies handle dangerous bear encounters. By employing computer vision technology, they aim to recognize individual bears from photographs.
This approach resembles facial recognition software used for humans, albeit with a distinct objective. Rather than focusing on surveillance, the goal is to assist wildlife managers in swiftly identifying whether a specific bear is frequently appearing in residential areas, campgrounds, trailheads, or livestock operations—all while assessing if that bear is connected to aggressive incidents.
Objectives of the Technology
A prominent project currently in development is BearID, which is engineered to evaluate images captured by trail cameras and various other sources. It matches key facial characteristics against a database of known bears. Advocates believe this system will expedite the identification process for biologists, eliminating the wait for lab results.
In many serious conflict scenarios today, wildlife officials rely on a combination of evidence—such as tracks, location data, witness testimonies, and frequently, DNA gathered from hair or saliva. While DNA is considered highly reliable, it can also be time-consuming and depends on obtaining suitable samples. The exploration of AI-based photo matching presents a potential avenue for faster decision-making during ongoing investigations.
Importance for Public Safety
Supporters argue that rapid identification could diminish the likelihood of recurring incidents. If wildlife managers ascertain that one bear is linked to multiple near-misses or repeatedly returns to a high-risk location, this information could facilitate a quicker response. Depending on the circumstances, this might involve hazing, relocation, enhanced monitoring, or even removal of the bear, in accordance with policy.
Researchers also believe that an effective photo-based identification system could alleviate some of the burdens on field staff. By focusing on specific candidates, it would enable better tracking of movement patterns where bears and human activities intersect.
Challenges and Limitations
As with any AI tool, accuracy is paramount. Bear faces can be quite similar, and field images vary widely due to lighting conditions, distance, and angles. Wildlife scientists emphasize that DNA remains the gold standard for conclusive identification in critical situations, and any photo matching technology would require thorough validation before being used to justify significant management actions.
Nevertheless, AI-based identification methods are already under assessment for various wildlife species globally, and bear-focused initiatives are on the rise as the deployment of cameras increases throughout the West.
Potential Impact in Montana
Montana has been experiencing a rise in bear activity in regions frequented by both residents and outdoor enthusiasts. If tools like BearID prove to be accurate and applicable, they could eventually become integral components in the toolkit for wildlife managers—especially in urgent situations where field evidence is limited.
At present, researchers stress that the technology is still in development, predicting that agencies would likely utilize it as a decision-support tool, rather than as a replacement for traditional field investigations, DNA analysis, or professional expertise.
Source: This story was adapted based on reporting by Cowboy State Daily.
