Black bear management
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to report any black bear den locations across the state to help with an ongoing study that will improve the accuracy of population estimates and inform management decisions.
Remember: Do not disturb the den's residents. If you believe you have found a black bear den, stay at least 30 yards from it at all times. Take photos of the den from a safe distance and note the GPS coordinates (drop a pin in your phone's map app). Make a note of any bear activity in the general area, including pawprints, scat or fresh scratch marks, and complete the DNR's Black Bear Den Submission Form as soon as possible. This short YouTube video shares more about the ongoing research that your den reports make possible!
The Wisconsin DNR seeks to ensure a healthy and sustainable black bear population while simultaneously supporting the use and enjoyment of the black bear resource by all Wisconsin residents. Wisconsin's bear population is managed regionally through annual hunting seasons, while local issues related to human/bear conflicts are typically addressed through more focused abatement strategies. Bear hunting seasons offer hunters a high-quality experience, managed under a carefully regulated system of license issuance and harvest. This system of science-based hunting regulations is designed to ensure the long-term future of the population. While science remains the basis of effective bear population management, public input and communication with important stakeholder groups are instrumental in ensuring the DNR reflects the spectrum of biological, social, and cultural issues surrounding bear management in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Black Bear Management Plan 2019 - 2029 was developed by the DNR Bear Advisory Committee and approved by the Natural Resources Board in May 2019. The overall goal of the plan is to:
"Maintain a healthy and sustainable black bear population that fulfills the numerous ecological, social, and cultural benefits of bears while minimizing human-bear conflicts in order to promote and maintain a positive public image of black bears in Wisconsin."
Black Bear Research
Wisconsin has a long and active history of collaborative, applied black bear research. Numerous individual bear research projects have been conducted over the years, and all have provided useful information towards improving our understanding of the species and strengthening our ability to manage black bears in the state.
There are two ongoing bear research projects currently being led by the DNR's Office of Applied Science.
Wisconsin Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey
- The objective of this project is to estimate key reproductive parameters in each bear management zone and support decision-making for bear management. Learn more about this project here.
- If you would like to report a black bear den to assist this research, please fill out the black bear den submission form.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Wisconsin's Black Bear Abatement Program
- The objective of this project is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various abatement measures for reducing agricultural damage by black bears. Learn more about this project here.
See page 24 of the Wisconsin Black Bear Management Plan for more on Wisconsin's legacy of black bear research.
Faculty and graduate students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have been continuously engaged in black bear research for over 30 years, making it the longest-running bear project in Wisconsin. Learn more about the Stephens Family Foundation Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project by visiting their website.
If you are looking for more bear research or scientific information, visit the International Association for Bear Research and Management website for a variety of excellent scientific information and resources on black bears.
Human-Bear Conflict
What To Do for Nuisance or Injured Black Bears
Have issues with a black bear on your property, neighborhood or agricultural fields? Call our partners at USDA Wildlife Services. Both the Northern and Southern districts check voicemails daily and respond on the phone and in the field to help Wisconsinites resolve bear conflict issues.
- USDA Wildlife Services, Northern Wisconsin: 800-228-1368 (in-state) or 715-369-5221
USDA Wildlife Services, Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663 (in-state) or 920-324-4514
Although black bears are more common in the northern half of the state, southern Wisconsin has seen an increase in black bear activity in recent years. Bears are normally solitary forest animals, but their powerful sense of smell can lead them into urban and suburban areas in search of food. No matter where in Wisconsin you live or play, follow these basic steps from our partners at BearWise® to avoid attracting black bears around your home or campsite.
Conflict Management Techniques
- Never feed or approach bears - Never feed a bear, whether intentionally or not. The risk of unexpected interactions increases when bears begin to associate human activity with food. If bears find a consistent food source near people or people actively feed them, the bears will develop an unsafe habit of visiting the area or approaching people.
- Secure food, garbage and recycling - Food and food odors attract bears, so avoid rewarding them with easily accessible food, liquids, or garbage.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are active - Birdseed and grains contain a high amount of calories, making them very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the most effective way to prevent conflicts with bears. Remember, attract birds, not bears!
- Never leave pet food outdoors - Feed pets indoors whenever possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed them in single portions and remove the food and bowls after each feeding. Store pet food where bears can't see or smell it.
- Clean and store grills - Barbeque grills and picnic tables often have leftover food scraps or residues on them that can attract black bears. Clean surfaces after use in public spaces to reduce negative human-bear interactions. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
- Alert neighbors to bear activity - Do you see bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it's up to us to adapt to living near bears.
- Know what to do if you encounter a bear near your home - If a black bear is near your home or cabin, from a safe location, try to scare the bear away by making loud noises (such as clanging pots and pans together) or throwing objects in the bear's direction. Black bears tend to avoid interactions with people if escape is possible, so ensure they have a clear escape route - never corner a bear. Do not turn your back on a bear or run away. Once the bear is gone, remove any items that may have attracted the bear in the first place.
- Know what to do if you encounter a bear outdoors - If you encounter a black bear while in the woods, stay calm and do not run. Wave your arms and make loud noises to scare it away. Back away slowly and seek a safe location from where you can wait for the bear to leave. Never approach a bear. For your safety, do not attempt to break up a fight between a pet and a bear.
Be BearWise® in the Outdoors
Be BearWise® at Home
Hunter and Public Opinion Surveys
Public Awareness of and Attitudes Towards Black Bears and Their Management in Wisconsin
In 2017, the DNR conducted a statewide survey of Wisconsin residents to gain a deeper understanding of the public's awareness of and attitudes towards black bears in Wisconsin. The study also examined the public's tolerances for various bear behaviors and preferences for management actions in response to different bear/human conflict scenarios. Overall, the study indicated strong public support for bears in the state. The public generally expressed positive attitudes towards bears and was supportive of the state's current management approach to addressing human/bear conflicts. The complete study results are available here.
A Survey of Applicant Preferences for Black Bear Hunting Opportunities in Wisconsin
In 2017, a survey was conducted among bear harvest license applicants to assess their satisfaction with and preferences for bear hunting opportunities in the state. The complete study results are available here.
Black Bear Advisory Committee
The Black Bear Advisory Committee, a diverse group representing government agencies, non-governmental organizations, tribal interests and conservation groups, meets to discuss issues relating to bear management. The Committee advises the Wildlife Policy Team on various topics, including hunting regulations, conflict management, surveys, and research priorities.
Committee meeting information
Upcoming Meetings
Date Location Information Dec. 3, 2025
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
George W. Mead Wildlife Education Center
20201517 County Road S, Milladore, WI 54454
Open for public comment.
Full posting on Hearings and Meetings Calendar
Advisory Committee Members
Name Organization Role Tara Anderson US Forest Service Committee Member Kevin Brown DNR Assistant Bear & Cougar Specialist Technical Assistant Diane Brusoe DNR Customer and Outreach Services Technical Assistant Miles Falck GLIFWC Committee Member Paul Frater DNR Wildlife Data Analyst Technical Assistant Dane Gravesen WI County Forest Association Committee Member Dave Halfmann DNR Northeast District Biologist Committee Member Nick Thill WI Honey Producers Association Committee Member Randy Johnson Chair / DNR Large Carnivore Biologist Committee Member Scott Karel DNR Wildlife Rules and Regulations Specialist Technical Assistant Chris Keiser DNR Wildlife Damage Specialist Committee Member Greg Kessler DNR Northern District Biologist Committee Member Rich Kirchmeyer WI Bowhunters Association Committee Member Aaron Koshatka DNR Conservation Warden Committee Member Lydia Margenau DNR Wildlife Population Research Scientist Technical Assistant Steffen Peterson DNR Southern District Biologist Committee Member Connie Polzin Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Committee Member Jennifer Price Tack DNR Carnivore/Elk Research Scientist Committee Member Mark Rasmussen DNR West Central District Biologist Committee Member Mike Robers WI Farm Bureau Committee Member Mike Rogers Conservation Congress Committee Member Dave Ruid USDA Wildlife Services Committee Member Carl Schoettel WI Bear Hunters Association Committee Member Dan Trawicki Safari Club International Committee Member Luke Withrow Hunter's Rights Coalition Committee Member Past Meetings
Date Location Information Dec. 3-4, 2024 Remote Recording via Zoom Nov. 29, 2023 Remote Recording via Zoom March 6, 2023 Remote Recording via Zoom Nov. 30, 2022 Remote Recording via Zoom Dec. 1, 2021 Remote Recording via Zoom Dec. 1, 2020 Remote Recording via Zoom For extra materials associated with each Bear Advisory Committee, including presentations and recordings, please email the Assistant Bear & Cougar Specialist at kevin.brown@wisconsin.gov.
Bear Management Plan & Reports
Every year, the DNR publishes several reports on the status of Wisconsin's black bears. Reports on annual harvest seasons, bear hunter questionnaires, damage and nuisance complaints, agricultural damage reports, and bear population analyses can all be found on the Wisconsin Wildlife Reports webpage.
The 2019-2029 Wisconsin Black Bear Management Plan was developed by the DNR Bear Advisory Committee and approved by the Natural Resources Board in May 2019. The overall goal of the plan is to:
"Maintain a healthy and sustainable black bear population that fulfills the numerous ecological, social, and cultural benefits of bears while minimizing bear-human conflicts in order to promote and maintain a positive image of black bears in Wisconsin."
If you are interested in additional information, contact the Wildlife Management Switchboard at DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@Wisconsin.gov.