Has there ever been a black bear attack in Michigan?
Fatal black bear attacks are extremely rare, the Michigan DNR said. Bear populations throughout Michigan are currently stable or are increasing, depending on the region. Bears are found across roughly 35,000 square miles of suitable habitat, mostly in the northern two-thirds of the state.
Are Michigan black bears aggressive?
In Michigan, while cases of black bear attacks – like that of a 12-year-old girl who was attacked and injured while jogging at dusk in Wexford County in 2013 – remain rare, reports of bear nuisance complaints are relatively common.
How common are bear attacks in Michigan?
Adam Bump, the DNR’s bear and fur-bearer specialist, said bear attacks are rare in Michigan. Bump said there’s typically about one report a year of a minor attack by a mother bear trying to protect her cubs.
How common are black bear attacks?
The 750,000 black bears of North America kill less than one person per year on the average, while men ages 18-24 are 167 times more likely to kill someone than a black bear. Most attacks by black bears are defensive reactions to a person who is too close, which is an easy situation to avoid.
Are there grizzly bears in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?
About 90 percent of the bear live in the Upper Peninsula, while the remaining ten percent are mainly found in the northern Lower Peninsula. However, it is becoming increasingly common to see bear in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula.
What to do if you see a black bear in Michigan?
Black bear in Michigan usually enter dens in late October and emerge in April or May. Den sites may be hallowed-out trees, brush piles, or even open ground nests. If you find a bear in such a place, leave the area immediately.
Are there any grizzly bears in Michigan?
The only species of bear found in Michigan is the black bear. Michigan’s forestland in the Upper Peninsula provides the ideal habitat for the species, with ample food and plenty of cover.
What time of year are black bears most aggressive?
Most of the fatalities have happened during July and August, when trails are heavily populated. Attacks are minimal December through April, when most bears are hibernating for the winter and spring.
What time of year are black bears most active?
Bear Behavior Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer.
Are there Black Bears in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan?
However, it is becoming increasingly common to see bear in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. During the past twenty-five years, the status of the Michigan black bear has been elevated from pest to prized game species.
Can a person kill a black bear in Michigan?
Under Michigan law, black bears can only be killed by a licensed hunter or when human life is in danger. Anyone who is experiencing problems with bears should contact the nearest DNR office and speak with a wildlife biologist or technician for further assistance. Get more information on Michigan black bears at www.michigan.gov/bear.
When did black bear hunting start in Michigan?
Bear hunting is a long-standing tradition in the state, enjoyed by those who hunt over bait or pursue bears with dogs. Recreational hunting of Michigan black bear began in 1925. Nearly 100 years later, the DNR continues to carefully manage bear populations and habitat.
What’s the goal for black bear management in Michigan?
The goal for black bear management in Michigan is to ensure the long-term survival of this species and to provide Michigan citizens with a diversity of bear-related recreational opportunities. Research, population management, habitat protection, and public education are important elements of the DNR’s bear management program.