Hilcorp closely monitors polar bear activity surrounding our areas of operations in Alaska. Data from every sighting is collected and shared with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). These efforts have helped create one of the largest polar bear tracking data sets in the world.
Technology such as Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) cameras are used to proactively identify potential polar bear dens. If one is found within a mile of our infrastructure, we notify the USFWS and coordinate all activities in the region to avoid disruption. Additionally, all Hilcorp employees and contractors on the North Slope take a polar bear awareness training class to ensure they understand how to keep the bears and themselves safe.
In 2016, Hilcorp made national news regarding the vigorous steps we took to protect a pregnant polar bear after our employees discovered the maternity den on the causeway to one of our locations on the Alaska North Slope. Promptly, we reported the sighting to the USFWS and welcomed scientists and conservationists, including the Polar Bear International advocacy group to study the site using remote camera systems. Hilcorp canceled two operations, closed the road, and sent a Slope-wide compliance bulletin in order to prevent any disturbances to the den. The mother and cubs emerged from the den peacefully.
To read more about the news coverage, please click here.
