A new study suggests polar bears aren't harmed when they are tranquillized and handled by researchers.
The matter is controversial in the North, where many Inuit believe that research injures the bears, leaves chemical residue in their bodies and shows disrespect to a culturally important animal.
Previous studies have suggested that repeated handling may have something to do with the declining condition of some bear populations.
The newly published research says that tranquillized and radio-collared bears are up and moving normally within five days.
It says repeated capture doesn't seem to affect reproduction rates or the health of bear cubs.
