DEC and the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (located at Cornell University) are initiating two black bear research projects in south-central New York to (1) estimate bear population density using a genetic (DNA) identification technique and (2) understand bear movements and habitat selection in core bear ranges and fringe areas which bears have recently begun to inhabit.  This research will help DEC better anticipate and manage changes to bear population size and geographic distribution in that part of the state.  The projects are in the early stages of development, but brief descriptions are provided in the Coop Unit's newsletter at www.dnr.cornell.edu/cals/dnr/research/fwres/upload/NYCFWRU-Newsletter-2010V1N3-3.pdf