Polar bear telemetry results from the Nimbus-6 system

Satellite telemetry studies of polar bear movements were implemented in Alaska, the Canadian High Arctic, and the Greenland Sea using the Nimbus-6 RAMS system and a transmitter collar. System problems, inconsistent instrument performance, and premature attachment harness failure reduced the information obtained. A northeasterly movement of Alaskan polar bears is noted in early spring. Canadian polar bears demonstrate an ability for long distance movements but tend to remain close to the site of capture. Instrumented polar bears in the Greenland Sea move long distances in sustained directions, indicating an ability to navigate and escape the powerful east Greenland current. Field test results indicate that a transmitter and attachment developed for TIROS system is fully operational.