Wisconsin is home to a healthy bear population.
The DNR estimates there are more than 24,000 black bears, majority of whom live in the northern third of the state.
Right now, DNR and UW researchers are starting to collect data on bears while they’re still in their dens.
The project will be focused on two things.
The first is litter size.
Jennifer Price Tack is a large carnivore and elk resource specialist for the DNR. She says litter size, frequency, and cub survival can be looked at to help the DNR’s models give a more accurate read out of the bear population size.
“We need robust data and models to form those quota decisions so that we can make sure that we are ensuring a sustainable bear population or a bear population that meets management objectives in each zone,” said Price Tack.
The other piece of data they’ll be collecting is information on what bears are eating. What a sow eats can have an impact on her litter.
A study a couple years ago found black bears had been consuming more anthropogenic food sources or people food.
“40% of bear diets were coming from these anthropogenic food sources and so we’re interested in seeing if that is a unique situation and to get a better handle on how much bear are using anthropogenic food sources across bear range in Wisconsin,” said Price Tack.
Den survey will be done the next seven years.
The DNR will also be radio collaring around 100 bears for more research.
You can help the study by reporting any known bear dens.
