See a Bear Den? Here’s How to Help DNR

Whether you're hiking, camping, hunting, or simply taking a walk in the woods, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking you to report the location of any bear den you find.

When Do Black Bears Den in Michigan?

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Depending on the weather, food availability, and location, Michigan black bears typically head into their dens sometime between October and December. Most bears begin searching for dens in early October, while pregnant females in the Upper Peninsula often start even earlier. By November and December, most bears have settled in for the winter.

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Michigan black bears can make their dens in all kinds of places, including hollow trees, fallen logs, rocky crevices, caves, brush piles, and holes in the ground. They may even den beneath buildings or in crawl spaces if they can get inside. Most bears emerge from their dens in late March or April.

Read More: Vehicle Collision Highlights Growing Bear Presence in Michigan

Found a Bear Den? Wildlife Officials Want to Know

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Many Michiganders enjoy spending time outdoors during the fall and winter, and the DNR is asking anyone who spots a bear den to use caution, record its location, preferably with GPS coordinates, and report it to the appropriate staff member.

• Upper Peninsula: Contact Cody Norton at 906-202-3023 or NortonC3@Michigan.gov.

• Northern Lower Peninsula: Contact Mark Boersen at 989-275-5151 or BoersenM@Michigan.gov.

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DNR biologists will check on the bear’s health and see if there are any cubs in the den. They’ll also record the bear’s age, sex, weight, and body measurements. If the bear meets the requirements, it could be included in an ongoing research project, which may involve fitting it with a tracking collar and tag to help researchers monitor it in the future.

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If you come across an active bear den, leave it alone and keep your distance. Michigan law prohibits disturbing, harming, or harassing a bear while it is in its den.

👇BELOW: What black bears want, and how to deter them👇