For over 40 years, biopsy darting has been increasingly used to obtain DNA and other samples from cetaceans; however, its application to other species is more recent. We assessed the performance of helicopter-based biopsy darting of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) on the spring sea ice. Our aim was to provide an overview and evaluation of our protocols for others considering helicopter-based biopsy darting. We shot 55 biopsy darts at 46 polar bears. Most darts (n = 51; 93%) hit the bear, but four of these were likely glancing shots that did not collect a biopsy sample. Mean chase time by the helicopter was short (\(\overline x\) = 23 s; range = 8–60 s), but chase time was significantly greater for bears with cubs than those without. There was no significant difference in chase time between bears that ran from the helicopter and those that charged it, but missed shots occurred more frequently for bears initially charging the aircraft, necessitating a second shot. We observed minor reactions (flinching or glancing backward) by 24% of the bears to the dart itself; however, all bears had a flight or fight response to the helicopter. All but one dart was retrieved. The dart success rate—the percentage of darts that hit the bear and collected a tissue (skin) sample—was 88%. However, only 53% collected more than a minimal amount of fat. All of the skin samples collected yielded DNA. Our study, along with the experiences of others, demonstrates that biopsy darting of polar bears has potential for genetic tagging of individuals for capture-mark-recapture studies. While we provide further information on equipment, protocols, and performance of helicopter-based biopsy darting, work remains to improve equipment and protocols, and better assess the impacts to affected individuals. We encourage further research on biopsy darting terrestrial mammals to spur technological advancements and guide the development of best practices.

40 多年来，活检穿刺越来越多地用于从鲸类动物中获取 DNA 和其他样本。然而，它对其他物种的应用是最近的。我们评估了在春季海冰上对北极熊 ( Ursus maritimus ) 进行直升机活检的性能。我们的目标是为考虑基于直升机的活检飞镖的其他人提供我们协议的概述和评估。我们对 46 只北极熊进行了 55 次活检。大多数飞镖（n  = 51；93%）击中了熊，但其中四个很可能是没有收集活检样本的扫视镜头。直升机的平均追逐时间很短 ( \(\overline x\) = 23 秒；范围 = 8-60 秒），但有幼崽的熊追逐时间明显长于没有幼崽的熊。从直升机上跑出来的熊和那些冲向它的熊之间的追逐时间没有显着差异，但对于最初冲向飞机的熊来说，错过射击的频率更高，需要第二次射击。我们观察到 24% 的熊对飞镖本身有轻微的反应（退缩或向后瞥一眼）；然而，所有的熊对直升机都有逃跑或战斗的反应。除了一支飞镖外，其他所有物品都被找回了。飞镖成功率——飞镖击中熊并收集组织（皮肤）样本的百分比——为 88%。然而，只有 53% 的人收集的脂肪量超过最低限度。收集的所有皮肤样本都产生了 DNA。我们的研究，以及其他人的经验，表明北极熊的活组织检查具有对个体进行基因标记以进行捕获标记再捕获研究的潜力。虽然我们提供了有关基于直升机的活检飞镖的设备、协议和性能的更多信息，但仍有工作改进设备和协议，并更好地评估对受影响个人的影响。我们鼓励对活组织检查陆生哺乳动物进行进一步研究，以促进技术进步并指导最佳实践的发展。