Black Bear

One of Wisconsin’s largest mammals is the American Black Bear. Their traditional range includes the northern two-thirds of the state; however, their population is expanding, and sightings are becoming more common farther south. Despite their large size, black bears are agile climbers and can run over 30 miles per hour.  

They mate from May to July, but the female does not give birth until the following January or early February while still in the den. Dens are usually found in suitable cavities, such as in trees, caves, brush piles, under logs or holes dug into the ground. Bears may occupy their dens starting as early as October and lasting into April.

Females typically give birth to litters of two cubs. However, they can have anywhere from one to five, depending on the age of the mother and the availability of resources throughout the summer and fall. Born under one pound in weight, cubs grow rapidly and may start to be seen outside of the den in mid-March, when they are 5 to 8 pounds. The cubs are weaned by September, although they will stay with their mother for about 18 months.

Tip: Often, when a seemingly healthy black bear cub is seen on its own, its mother is nearby. Usually, it is not truly orphaned. Do not feed it and minimize human and animal activity in the area to encourage the cub to reunite with its mother.

If a black bear cub is alone around mid-July or at six months old, it can get food for itself, and research has shown that it has a good chance of long-term survival on its own, even if it is truly separated from its mother.

If you believe a cub is sick, injured, or truly orphaned reach out to USDA Wildlife Services (Northern Wisconsin: 800-228-1368, Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663) or a licensed bear rehabilitator (Wild Instincts: 715-362-9453, Rhinelander) for advice before intervening.