NEED TO KNOW
Over 12,000 black bears are emerging from their winter dens across Michigan
Wildlife officials warn bears can smell food from up to a mile away
Residents are urged to remove bird feeders and secure trash to avoid conflict encounters
Spring is almost here, which means that hibernating bears are waking up from their restful slumbers, including in the state of Michigan. Wildlife officials say residents should be prepared for increased encounters with black bears in their neighborhoods.
According to a press release published on Thursday, March 12, by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the state is home to roughly 12,450 black bears, many of which are now emerging from winter dens, some with newborn cubs.
A DNR wildlife representative holds a female bear cub during a den check near Cadillac on Feb. 27
Credit: Department of Natural Resources
“Michigan is bear country,” Jared Duquette, a human-wildlife interactions specialist for the DNR, said in a statement. “And as bears come out of their winter dens, it’s important to remember that we can live responsibly with these magnificent animals and avoid conflicts by following some basic best practices.”
One of the biggest concerns for wildlife officials is the presence of food attractants around homes.
Black bears have a highly developed sense of smell and can detect food from up to a mile away, and will “forage for food as much as two miles away.” Once they locate a reliable food source, such as a backyard bird feeder, an outdoor pet food container, or an easy-to-access trash bin, they may return repeatedly and grow more comfortable around people.
“When bears get used to human-associated food sources, they are more apt to roam neighborhoods and even break into homes or outbuildings for food,” officials warned.
As a result, the DNR recommended Michganders should remove bird feeders for at least two weeks if a bear is spotted nearby. Residents should also keep grills clean, store trash securely, and wait until collection day to place garbage bags outside.
In areas with frequent bear activity, officials say bear-resistant trash containers may also help prevent unwanted visits.
Most of Michigan’s bears live in the state’s northern regions. The DNR estimates roughly 10,350 bears live in the Upper Peninsula, according to an internal survey, while about 2,100 live in the Lower Peninsula. However, wildlife officials say some bears have gradually expanded south into more populated parts of mid-Michigan.
Spring can be an especially sensitive time because many female bears leave their dens with cubs born in the winter.
A female bear cub voices her displeasure at being separated from her mother for a short period during a routine winter den check near Cadillac on Feb. 27
Credit: Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife experts warn that while cubs may appear alone at times, their mothers are usually nearby. Residents should never approach or handle bear cubs and should always avoid placing themselves between a mother and her young.
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“If you find yourself in this position, move away from the cubs in a direction that allows the mother to quickly reconnect with them,” advised the DNR’s release.
If you encounter a bear in the wild, officials advise staying calm, backing away slowly, and giving the animal plenty of space.
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