MICHIGAN — Michigan’s black bear population, estimated at 12,450 animals, is beginning to emerge from winter dens as spring weather arrives. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is advising residents to secure food sources to prevent conflicts with bears, which can detect food from a mile away.
The state’s bear population is primarily located in the Upper Peninsula, but animals are increasingly moving into urban areas of the Lower Peninsula. Wildlife officials emphasize that bears have extraordinary memories and can become habituated to human-associated food, leading to potential encounters at homes and outbuildings.
There are approximately 10,350 black bears in the Upper Peninsula and 2,100 in the Lower Peninsula. While most Lower Peninsula bears are located in the northern region, a 2024 DNR survey shows the population is pushing south into urban areas of mid-Michigan. To manage these interactions, state experts recommend specific safety measures based on bear behavior.
Jared Duquette serves as the human-wildlife interactions specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). He emphasized that proactive measures are necessary as bears leave their dens. “Michigan is bear country,” Duquette said. “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. Take down bird feeders, especially in the spring and summer, clean grills after use, don’t leave pet food outside and wait until collection day to put your trash out.”
These recommendations are based on the bear’s biological drive to find food. Black bears have an extraordinary sense of smell and a memory that allows them to recall food locations for years. When bears become accustomed to finding food near homes, they are less likely to flee from humans. This habituation can lead bears to break into homes or outbuildings in search of a meal.
To prevent this habituation, the DNR suggests removing bird feeders for at least two weeks if a bear is spotted in the area. This encourages the animal to move on to natural food sources. Residents in high-density bear areas are also encouraged to use bear-resistant trash bins provided by local disposal companies.
In addition to adult bears, residents may see new offspring this spring. Many female bears, or sows, will emerge from their dens with cubs born in January or February. These cubs typically remain with their mother for 16 to 18 months before becoming independent.
Seeing cubs requires different safety protocols than encountering solitary adults. Mother bears may forage for food up to two miles away from their cubs, but humans should never approach or pick up a cub found in the wild. If an encounter occurs, people are advised to stand still and back away slowly. Running is discouraged because it may trigger a chase response from the bear.
As March progresses, drowsy bears will begin drinking water and eating light meals like old berries and acorns. Eventually, the animals will transition to searching for more substantial meals. Residents can find more information on preventing bear conflicts at Michigan.gov/Wildlife or by calling the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.