Griff found this site called
Crown of Maine.
Seems a team of Maine biologists spend the long Maine winter, tracking radio collared bears, while they are denning for the winter.
Paul Cyr went along with them recently and photographed the fun.
Once the signal leads them to the den site, they dig down through 5 feet of snow and open the den, for a biologist to crawl in.
After giving the bear a shot, they drag her out and check her weight, measurements and general health.
They also check the cubs, if there are any.
After everything is recorded, Mom and cubs get tucked back into the den and it's reburied with snow. They try to do 4 or 5 dens a day.
I think they're nuts, but check out the whole series at the link.