Black bears are present in Michigan, with a notable and growing population across the state’s vast forested regions. Understanding these native inhabitants is important for residents and visitors.
Black Bears of Michigan
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear species found in Michigan. Their thick fur is most commonly black, though brown and cinnamon variations occur. Adult females weigh between 100 to 250 pounds, while males range from 150 to 400 pounds. On all fours, an adult black bear stands about three feet high, reaching approximately five feet when standing upright.
Black bears are omnivorous, consuming a variety of items such as berries, nuts, roots, insects, and occasionally small mammals or carrion. Their excellent sense of smell allows them to locate food sources from considerable distances. Although large, black bears are agile climbers and capable swimmers.
Black bears are solitary, though a female and her cubs may be seen together. They are not territorial, and their home ranges can overlap, with males having larger ranges than females. In Michigan, black bears enter their dens for hibernation between November and December, emerging in late March or April. During this period, their metabolic rate decreases, allowing them to sustain themselves on stored body fat.
Where Bears Live in Michigan
Michigan’s black bear population is over 12,000, with more than 10,000 residing in the Upper Peninsula, which provides extensive suitable habitat. The remaining 2,000 bears inhabit the northern Lower Peninsula.
The black bear population has grown in both peninsulas, with a 21% increase in the Upper Peninsula and a 55% increase in the northern Lower Peninsula between 2012 and 2022. This growth has led to an expansion of their range, particularly in the northern Lower Peninsula, where it increased by 74% between 2011 and 2021. Bears are now observed further south, including regions around Traverse City, Grand Rapids, and Midland.
Black bears prefer habitats including large, continuous hardwood or conifer forests, dense swamps, and remote areas. Optimal bear habitat includes unfragmented swamps interspersed with upland forests and forest openings, providing cover and varied food sources throughout the year. Wetlands and wooded stream bottoms are also used, offering seasonal foods and denning sites.
Coexisting with Michigan’s Bears
Coexisting with Michigan’s black bears involves minimizing opportunities for them to associate humans with food. Secure all garbage in bear-resistant containers or store it in a secured building until disposal. Bird feeders should be removed from yards during spring, summer, and fall when bears are most active, as bears can detect birdseed from a mile away and remember its location. Pet food should always be kept indoors or in a secured area, and regularly cleaning outdoor grills and picnic tables helps eliminate food odors that can attract bears. For those with apiaries or fruit trees, electric fencing can be an effective measure to protect these potential food sources.
If an encounter with a black bear occurs, it is important to remain calm and follow safety guidelines. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase response from the bear. Instead, stand your ground, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms, and make loud noises, such as yelling, while slowly backing away and ensuring the animal has a clear, unobstructed escape route. Black bears are generally fearful of humans and will typically retreat if given the opportunity; however, if a bear stands its ground, makes threatening sounds, or bluff charges, it indicates you are too close. In the rare event of a physical attack, fight back with any available means, such as a backpack or stick, and always observe bears from a distance to prevent conflicts.