Immobilization of coastal grizzly bears with etorphine hydrochloride

Seventeen coastal grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) from southwestern British Columbia were captured and immobilized a total of 27 times with etorphine hydrochloride (M99). Effective dosages administered ranged from 0.011 to 0.132 mg/kg. Drug dosages (on a body weight basis) were not significantly related to induction times (R=-.040); however, it appeared that induction could be reduced with an increased dosage. At higher dosage levels respiratory rate was reduced to 2/minute.