Now Is The Time To Take Steps To Avoid Bear Conflicts In Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a thriving population of approximately 24,000 black bears, with the highest concentration in the northern third of the state. However, the bear population has been increasing and expanding southward over the past decade, with bears now found in many regions of Wisconsin.

Now that the weather is warming up, people in Wisconsin are beginning to spend more time outdoors, and encounters with all wildlife, including bears, will be on the increase.

That's why the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently encouraged the public to be bear aware and take steps to prevent potential conflicts with black bears this spring.

Remember, every spring, Wisconsin’s black bears emerge from their winter torpor and leave their dens in search of food and potentially new territory.

This can sometimes cause unexpected interactions between black bears and the public because while bears are normally strictly forest animals, their powerful sense of smell can lead them into urban areas in search of food, especially in the spring and fall.

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How To Avoid Bear Conflicts In Wisconsin

Although black bears are much more common in the northern half of the state, southern Wisconsin has seen more black bear activity in recent years.

The DNR says that to avoid potential conflicts throughout Wisconsin, it’s important to recognize what attracts black bears and take steps to reduce these attractants if you can.

Black bears are known for returning to locations where they’ve found good food sources in the past, so that means that prevention is the best tactic.

Therefore, experts recommend following these steps����to avoid attracting black bears around your home or campsite:

• Never feed or approach bears. Never feed a bear, whether intentionally or not. The risk of unexpected interactions increases when bears begin to associate people with food. If bears find a consistent food source around people or people actively feed a bear, the bear will make a habit of visiting the area or approaching people.
• Secure food, garage, and recycling. Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids, or garbage.
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
• Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.
• Clean and store grills inside. 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. See bears or evidence of bear activity in your backyard or neighborhood? 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.

What Should You Do If You Encounter A Bear?

There's a chance that despite your best efforts, you may encounter a black bear near your home or cabin. If that happens, stay in a safe place and try to scare the bear away by making loud noises (like 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 make sure it has a clear escape route. You should never corner a bear, nor should you turn your back to a bear or run away.

Once the bear is gone, remove any items that may have attracted the bear in the first place.

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. Then, back away slowly and seek a safe location where you can wait for the bear to leave.

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You should never approach a bear and, for your own safety, do not attempt to break up a fight between a pet and a bear.

Lastly, the DNR says that if you're unable to resolve a recurring issue with a nuisance bear, you should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Wildlife Services toll-free lines:

• 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