Recreating in Areas with Bears

As you explore Wisconsin's natural beauty at DNR properties, remember that you're sharing this landscape with native wildlife—including black bears. While bear encounters are rare, we all play a part in keeping visitors and wildlife safe. It is important to follow these rules to minimize the chances of a negative encounter.

• Properly store food and scented items. To a bear, "food" also includes trash, toiletries and anything else with a scent. Containers certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) are recommended: IGBC Certified List.
• Keep a clean camp. Wash dishes immediately and dispose of fish remains at least 200 feet from campsites, trails and shorelines. Do not put out bird feeders or leave out pet food.
• Never leave food unattended. This includes at campsites, portages or boat landings. Bears are excellent swimmers who may travel to island sites searching for food. Coolers, blue "bear barrels," cookware and even vehicles are not bear resistant. During the day, while hiking or picnicking, always keep your food within arm's reach. When away from your vehicle, lock it and keep all windows closed, with food, drinks and coolers hidden from sight. Never leave food in a truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle. Storing food and other scented items in a vehicle overnight can tempt bears to break into vehicles.
• Avoid storing anything scented in tents. Scented items can include toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm and soap.
• Hang food when necessary. If you're in a remote site, hang food containers 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from any vertical support.

Why It Matters

When bears are rewarded with human food, they may become habituated and lose their natural fear of people. This behavior can lead to property damage and aggressive behavior, and unfortunately, it may result in the bear being euthanized.

If You Encounter a Bear

• Stay calm. Make yourself look large, shout, clap or bang pots together.
• Never run from a bear.
• If necessary, use bear spray as a deterrent.

Report Bear Sightings

Please report any bear encounters or sightings to the nearest DNR staff member, campground host or the contact posted at kiosks. Property visitors can also submit bear observations to the Wildlife Observation tool.

By staying informed and following these simple steps, you're helping protect both people and bears and ensuring that DNR lands remain safe, wild places for everyone.

Additional Resources

• More information about bear management in Wisconsin can be found on the Black Bear Management webpage.
• BearWise is a national program that provides guidance and information on bears and bear-human conflicts.