Michigan is home to a thriving population of bears, one of its largest mammals. Understanding the nature and habits of these animals is important for both personal safety and species preservation. The state’s vast, forested landscapes provide an ideal environment for bears to forage and establish territories. Learning about the specific species present helps ensure responsible interactions with Michigan’s wild inhabitants.
Identifying Michigan’s Sole Bear Species
The only species of bear found in Michigan is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Despite their name, these bears are not always black; coats can be brown, cinnamon, or blonde, though black is the most common color phase in Michigan. The American black bear is the continent’s smallest and most widely distributed bear species.
Adult males typically weigh between 150 and 400 pounds, while females range from 100 to 250 pounds. On all four paws, they measure about three feet high, but can stand up to five feet tall on their hind legs. As opportunistic omnivores, their diet is highly varied, including berries, nuts, insects, roots, and vegetation. They use their excellent sense of smell to locate food sources, sometimes over great distances.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Michigan’s black bear population, estimated at 12,000 to 13,000 bears, is concentrated primarily in the northern regions. The vast majority reside in the Upper Peninsula (UP), which is considered the species’ stronghold, with over 10,000 bears living there. The remaining population is found in the northern Lower Peninsula (LP).
The northern Lower Peninsula population, estimated at 2,000 bears, has been growing and expanding its range significantly. This expansion has led to increasing sightings in areas like Traverse City, Gaylord, and Glen Arbor. Black bears prefer large, continuous tracts of hardwood and conifer forests, as well as swampy areas, which provide food and cover. They enter their dens for torpor starting in late October or December, emerging again in the spring.
Coexisting Safely with Bears
Since black bears are generally shy and reclusive, most human-bear conflicts result from bears seeking readily available food sources near human habitation. Bears have an exceptional memory and will return to locations where they have previously found food. Reducing the availability of human-associated foods is the most effective way to prevent these encounters.
Securing garbage is a primary step for people living in or visiting bear country. This involves storing trash in a secured area or using bear-resistant containers with lockable lids. Other preventative measures include:
- Removing bird feeders, especially those containing high-calorie seeds or suet, during spring, summer, and fall when bears are most active.
- Keeping pet food inside.
- Cleaning outdoor grills and picnic tables thoroughly after use.
If an encounter with a bear occurs, never run, as this may trigger a chase response. Instead, stand your ground, make yourself look larger by raising your arms, and make loud noises, such as yelling “HEY BEAR!”. Always ensure the bear has an unobstructed path to escape. Never approach a bear, especially one with cubs, and in the extremely rare event of an attack, fight back vigorously.