Conservation Corner: Black Bears

Conservation Corner

Compiled and submitted by Autumn Gonda

Black Bears:

Black Bears are most common in the northern two thirds of the state, with occasional sightings further south. Black bears have enormous appetites and an excellent sense of smell. They can remember the locations of food sources from year to year. Bears will travel great distances to find food. Black bears are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, eating both plant and animal matter.

Preventing conflicts with bears at home:

  • Never intentionally feed a bear.

  • Remove potential food sources, like bird feeders, from your yard. Do not feed the birds in the spring, summer and fall, when bears are most active.

  • Keep pet food inside or in a secured area.

  • Keep garbage and odor at a minimum by removing trash often and cleaning container with disinfectant.

  • Keep garbage in a secured area or in a secured container with a metal, lockable lid until disposal.

  • Keep grills and picnic tables clean.

  • Apiaries (bee hives), fruit trees, and gardens can be protected from bears by electric fencing.

Preventing conflicts with bears when camping or hiking:

  • Never intentionally feed a bear.

  • Keep a clean camp - minimize food odors and waste.

  • Food and toiletries should NEVER be kept in tents.

  • Store food and toiletries in airtight containers in a vehicle trunk or suspend food in burlap, plastic bags, or backpacks from trees. Hang 12 feet above ground, 10 feet from trunk, and 5 feet from nearest branch.

  • Always cook at a distance from your campsite and wash utensils shortly after eating.

  • Don’t sleep in clothes that have cooking odors or blood on them.

  • Store trash as you would food - burning or burying waste attracts bears.

  • Travel in groups and make noise when hiking.

  • Carry bear spray.

If you encounter a black bear:

  • Stand your ground. DO NOT run or play dead.

  • Make loud noises and back away slowly.

  • Always provide a clear, unobstructed escape route for the bear.

  • Rarely do bears attack. If they do, fight back.

  • Treat bears with respect and observe them from a distance.

Know the laws:

Excellent black bear hunting opportunities exist in Michigan. Hunting is used to maintain populations at acceptable and manageable levels. Details on season dates and locations can be found in the current Michigan Black Bear Digest, found online at Michigan.gov/Bear. Black bears can only be killed by a licensed hunter or when human life is in danger. Anyone who is experiencing problems with black bears should contact the nearest DNR office and speak with a wildlife biologist or technician for further assistance

Greg Traviss