Michigan’s diverse landscapes are home to a variety of wildlife, including a significant population of black bears. Understanding the dynamics of this species is important for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the safety of both wildlife and human communities. The presence of bears contributes to the state’s natural heritage, drawing public interest in their numbers and distribution.
Michigan’s Bear Population
Michigan is home exclusively to the American black bear (Ursus americanus). The most recent data from 2022 estimates the statewide black bear population at over 12,000 individuals. These bears are primarily concentrated in the northern regions of the state.
Over 10,000 black bears reside in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with approximately 2,000 in the northern Lower Peninsula. While the Upper Peninsula remains a stronghold, the black bear population in the northern Lower Peninsula has shown a notable increase of 55% between 2012 and 2022, expanding its range by an estimated 74% from 2011 to 2021. These bears favor habitats characterized by large, continuous hardwood or conifer forests, as well as swampy areas.
Tracking Bear Numbers
Wildlife agencies use scientific methods to monitor Michigan’s black bear population. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) utilizes a statistical catch-at-age (SCAA) analysis, which incorporates sex and age data from harvested bears to assess population trends. This is complemented by mandatory registration of harvested bears, where a tooth is often collected to determine the animal’s age, providing biological information.
Bear hair snare surveys involve baiting areas with barbed wire, allowing biologists to collect hair samples for genetic analysis to identify individual bears and estimate their numbers. Den surveys are conducted during hibernation, where biologists gather information on the sex, age, and weight of bears, sometimes fitting them with radio collars for continued monitoring. Tetracycline-based mark-recapture studies have been used in the Upper Peninsula to estimate population size.
Conservation and Management Efforts
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for managing the state’s black bear population with several objectives. These goals include maintaining a healthy bear population, balancing bear abundance with human presence, and minimizing conflicts between bears and people. The DNR also aims to provide recreational opportunities related to bears, such as hunting and viewing.
Regulated hunting seasons serve as a primary tool for managing bear numbers and gathering data. Hunting licenses are issued through a lottery system, with quotas adjusted to achieve desired population levels. Alongside hunting, public education initiatives promote coexistence, advising residents on how to reduce attractants like bird feeders, unsecured garbage, and pet food that can draw bears into human areas. Habitat preservation efforts also preserve habitat by managing areas that provide food, cover, and water sources. When nuisance complaints arise, the DNR advises removing food attractants, with hazing or relocation as last resorts.