The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to know where black bear dens are and they need help from people who spend the most time outdoors.
If you find a black bear den while in the field this fall, the DNR wants you to report to the location to them to help with their ongoing bear management program.
“Finding winter den locations is an important component to managing black bear populations, and we need hunter, trapper and landowner assistance to add new den sites to the program in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula,” said Mark Boersen, wildlife biologist at the DNR Roscommon Customer Service Center. “Currently, we are monitoring six bears from the ground and aircraft using radio tracking equipment.”
What to do if you find a bear den
Bears usually enter dens in November and December.
The DNR said bears usually pick dens in locations that offer shelter from the elements. That includes areas with dense vegetation, rock crevices, fallen trees, or excavated holes. Bear dens might look like brush piles covered in snow, or excavated holes in the ground -- both would have an icy opening to vent fresh air.
If you believe you have found a bear den you should remain a safe distance away and avoid disturbing the den or the bears. If you’re very quiet you might be able to hear cubs nursing or crying.
Record the location, using GPS coordinates if possible, and let the DNR know about the den via phone call or email:
- Upper Peninsula: Cody Norton at 906-202-3023 or NortonC3@Michigan.gov.
- Northern Lower Peninsula: Mark Boersen at 989-275-5151 or BoersenM@Michigan.gov.
What will happen to the bear?
DNR biologists will decide if the animal is a good candidate for joining the ongoing project. A bear selected for the program will be sedated and fitted with a collar and ear tags.
Biologists will note the bear’s sex, weight, body measurements and reproductive history. They will also remove a “small, nonfunctional tooth” to get a DNA sample and determine the bear’s age. The bear will be returned to its den.
It is illegal to disturb or harm a bear or bear den. If you believe you have located a den, you should report it and allow the DNR to investigate.
You can click here to learn more about bears and bear management.
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