Michigan is home to a black bear population, a native species found across various regions of the state. This article explores their population, distribution, habits, and how people can safely coexist with them.
Michigan’s Bear Population
Black bears (Ursus americanus) are the sole bear species found in Michigan. The state’s black bear population has grown over the past decade. As of 2022, the estimated statewide population was over 12,000 bears, a 25% increase from 9,768 bears in 2012.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) manages this population. Their efforts include regulating hunting seasons and setting license quotas to maintain a healthy and balanced bear population. The MDNR aims to stabilize population growth, particularly in the northern Lower Peninsula, where nuisance complaints have increased.
Where Bears are Found
The majority of Michigan’s black bear population resides in the Upper Peninsula, with over 10,000 bears estimated in this region. The northern Lower Peninsula also supports a significant population, estimated at around 2,000 bears. Bear distribution has expanded, especially in the northern Lower Peninsula, covering over 13,000 square miles in 2021, up from 7,800 square miles in 2011.
While primarily found in forested, less-populated areas, black bears are adaptable and can be sighted in various habitats. They prefer dense forests, swamps, and wetlands, including coniferous and deciduous stands. Recent sightings indicate bears are moving further south in the Lower Peninsula, occasionally appearing in more developed areas as they search for new territories.
Understanding Bear Habits
Black bears are omnivorous, meaning their diet consists of both plant and animal matter. Their natural food sources include berries, nuts, insects, and small mammals. They also consume tender vegetation, such as skunk cabbage and grasses, especially in spring after emerging from their dens. Bears have an excellent sense of smell and a strong memory for food locations, allowing them to travel great distances in search of sustenance.
Their activity levels vary seasonally; bears typically emerge from their dens in late March to April. During this time, they are driven by the need to replenish fat reserves lost during winter denning. Bears are opportunistic foragers, and human-related food sources can readily attract them. This includes unsecured garbage, pet food left outdoors, and bird feeders, which can lead to increased human-bear conflicts.
Living Safely with Bears
Coexisting with bears requires proactive measures to prevent encounters and minimize conflicts. Residents and visitors in bear country should secure all garbage in bear-resistant containers or within locked buildings. Cleaning outdoor grills thoroughly after use and storing pet food indoors are important steps to eliminate attractants. Bird feeders should be removed when bears are active.
If a black bear is sighted, avoid approaching it and maintain a safe distance. Do not run; instead, stand your ground and make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or standing on an elevated surface. Making loud noises, such as yelling “HEY BEAR!”, can help deter the animal. Always ensure the bear has a clear escape route.
While black bears are generally not aggressive, in the rare event of an attack, fighting back with any available object is advised. Feeding bears should be avoided, as it habituates them to human presence and can lead to increased nuisance behavior.