The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is calling on the public to report black bear den locations as part of a study on bear reproduction. The ongoing Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey aims to provide new estimates of reproductive rates across different bear management zones and explore the impact of human food sources on bear cub survival and litter sizes.
Entering its fourth year, the survey focuses on occupied dens, especially in bear management zones C, D, and E, covering central and western Wisconsin. Dr. Jennifer Price Tack, a DNR research scientist, emphasizes the need for collars in each zone to enhance population estimates that inform management decisions.
The DNR encourages individuals to report any sightings with as much detail as possible, including GPS coordinates, photos, and descriptions of the site. Reporting is crucial since dens are rarely found, and gathering sufficient data is vital for the study.
When dens are reported, the research team will assess them for safety and accessibility before conducting surveys. Data collected will include biological metrics such as the sex and age of bears, with mother bears receiving GPS collars to track their behavior and reproductive success over time.
The survey will continue for four to five more years, aiming to fit around 100 collars across the zones. To report a black bear den, visit the DNR’s black bear den submission form.