More than 12,000 Black Bears Are Emerging From Their Dens in Michigan — and the DNR Has an Urgent Warning
Spring is arriving in Michigan ... and so are the bears.
More than 12,450 black bears are waking up and leaving their winter dens across the state, and wildlife officials are urging residents to take precautions before encounters begin picking up. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the timing varies — some bears emerge briefly in March to stretch and return to sleep, while others leave their dens for good. Either way, sightings are expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks.
How Many Black Bears Are Waking Up In Michigan?
Michigan's upper peninsula is home to more than 10,000 black bears, with another 2,100 roaming the lower peninsula. A new study also indicates that more than 12,000 cubs were born this season, meaning younger, less experienced bears will be moving through neighborhoods and wooded areas alongside adults.
The DNR's advice centers on removing anything that might attract a hungry bear emerging from months of dormancy. Bird feeders are one of the most common culprits — wildlife officials recommend taking them down entirely through spring and summer. Grills should be cleaned after every use, pet food should never be left outside, and trash should be held until collection day rather than left out overnight.
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What To Do If You Encounter a Black Bear
If you do come face to face with a bear, the DNR says the worst thing you can do is run. Back away slowly, give the animal space, and let it leave on its own terms. Bears generally want nothing to do with people — but that calculus changes around cubs. Mothers are fiercely protective, and getting between a cub and its mother is one of the most dangerous situations a person can find themselves in.
"Michigan is bear country," said Jared Duquette, human-wildlife interactions specialist for the DNR. "We can live responsibly with these magnificent animals and avoid conflicts by following some basic best practices."