Serum Chemistry of Central and Northern Alaska Grizzly Bears

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Abstract
Eighty-five grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) were captured during 1981 and 1982 in the Alaska Range and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. Blood serum from these bears, along with serum from 76 bears captured between 1973 and 1980 in the Brooks Range, Alaska, was examined for 24 serum characteristics. A high Ca and P demand in lactating sows resulted in lower serum levels than in nonlactating sows. Males had higher Ca and P values than all females. Elevated levels of P, alkaline phosphatase, glutamic-oxalacetic and glutamic-pyruvic transaminases, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid in first compared to second samples, collected 1 hour later, are probably related to excitability and physical exertion imposed on bears by their capture. Higher levels of chloride and carbon dioxide in second samples indicate a response to hyperventilation caused by handling stress. Differences in capture dates probably account for geographic differences in urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid, suggesting regained renal function and varied diet reinstatement as time from den emergence increases. Negative correlations of Ca, P, and alkaline phosphatase with age reflect increased osteoblast activity and bone formation in young bears. The results add to the baseline on bear serum characteristics, identify influences on them, allow for comparisons with populations in other geographic areas, and indicate care should be taken during capture and handling of bears to minimize physiological stress.