UrsaPlex: An STR multiplex for forensic identification of North American black bear (Ursus americanus)

UrsaPlex is a forensic quality 5-dye multiplexed tetranucleotide STR and sex identification panel for individual genetic identification of North American black bears (Ursus americanus). The panel is validated for the identification of black bears involved in human-wildlife conflict events and poaching investigations. This is the first single multiplex panel composed solely of tetranucleotide STRs derived from black bear and bear-specific sex markers. UrsaPlex produces complete genetic profiles from as little as 78 pg of DNA template and has a probability of identity of 2.63 × 10^-13. The panel has also been tested for utility in other ursids, and our results indicate with minor modifications, UrsaPlex should prove valuable in identification investigations involving these species as well.