DNR asks public to report Black Bear dens

HAYWARD, Wis. (WBZH) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging the public to report black bear den locations to help with an ongoing study on black bear reproduction.

The research team is accepting any den reports but is specifically looking for dens in bear management zones C, E, and F, which covers central and southern Wisconsin.

The Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey will generate new estimates of black bear reproductive rates within each of the state’s bear management zones and the estimates will improve the accuracy of the population models in each zone. The project was started in 2021, and is now going into its fifth year.

The purpose of the project is to place GPS collars on sows, or female bears, and track them over the years. The data will let researchers understand litter frequency and cub survival rates.  

 DNR Research Scientist Erin Morrison says public assistance is essential to increasing their sample size. Morrison adds that if someone reports a den that includes a sow, they are invited to come out to the survey.

“We’re very appreciative of the public and their involvement in this project. It wouldn’t be a success without them. So we like to be able to invite them out on those surveys as a way to show them a part of the research that they’re involved in.,” says Morisson.

Morrison says that individuals reporting dens should  keep track of the GPS coordinate, take photos of the den and give a description of the site and surrounding area, and make note of any bear activity. To report the activity, visit the DNR’s Black Bear Den submission form.