The first genetic census of grizzly bears in Montana, one of their major ranges, has discovered that there are perhaps twice as many of the big omnivores as previously estimated–765 instead of the 250-350 of prior estimates. How do they know? Scientists collected DNA samples from bear fur snagged on barbed-wire traps (see photo) and counted the number of different DNA sequences. This is the bear DNA study that John McCain has ridiculed several times in a stump speech as an egregious example of pork-barrel spending. “I don’t know if it was a paternity issue or criminal, but it was a waste of money.” McCain says, regularly getting guffaws from his audience.

Turns out, stories say, the finding may lead to eased restrictions on oil and gas exploration, logging and other development in Montana. Dina Capiello of the AP writes that the McCain campaign did not return a request for comment.

Also on the story was Carl Puckett of the Great Falls (Montana) Tribune.

-BR

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