Where Are The Bear?

[Stump Kicker]

I have heard a few people have sighted bear in Newaygo County over the last few years. I have not seen any sign of them in the back 40. What kind of signs should I be looking for. And where are bear most apt to be seen? (Ex: edge of woods, around swamps)

[spotforkids.org]

The following was taken from the D.N.R. website.

What types of signs would indicate a bear has been present?
Learning to recognize bear signs can add to the enjoyment of outdoor experiences. Tracks, droppings, claw-marked trees, turned-over rocks, torn-up tree stumps, or broken limbs of fruiting trees are all signs that a bear has been in the area. People who live in northern Michigan sometimes find bear signs in their own yards. Tipped-over trash cans broken bird feeders, and clawed buildings are evidence of a bear visit.

Do black bear present any danger to people?
Black bear are shy by nature. If you were hiking through the woods, a bear would most likely hear you or pick up your scent and run off before you even knew it was there. Bear have a natural fear of humans and it is best if that fear remains intact. If we leave foods accessible to bear, they may overcome their fear of humans in order to take advantage of it. Bear that learn to associate food with humans can be dangerous. People must act responsibly when living or vacationing in bear country, and know what activities are likely to attract bear. Prevention is the key to avoiding people-bear conflicts.

What is the diet of the black bear?
In one word - everything. Black bear are considered opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of many seasonally available foods. Bear eat succulent, new green vegetation in the spring after they leave their dens. Colonial insects, such as ants and bees, may make up over half of their diet in late spring and early summer. Black bear experience rapid weight gain in years when wild berries, which are high in sugars and other carbohydrates, are available beginning in mid summer. Nuts and acorns, because they are high in fats and protein, are the best fall foods for bear when preparing for their winter's sleep. If given the chance, black bear will supplement their natural diet with human garbage, pet foods, birdseed, or any foods placed to feed or attract other wildlife.

What is the status of black bear in Michigan?
Approximately 15,000 - 19,000 black bears (including cubs) roam the hardwood and conifer forests of northern 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. During the past twenty-five years, the status of the Michigan black bear has been elevated from pest to prized game species. Today, Michigan's only bear species is protected by law and managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Black bear are not true hibernators. Instead they remain in a state of lethargy during their winter's sleep. In the den, they reduce their metabolic rate, surviving without eating, drinking, exercising, or passing waste. A long winter's sleep is the bear's way of escaping the scarcity of food, not for avoiding the cold weather. 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. It is unlawful to harass bear in their dens. It is best to get a closer look at a den site in the summer when there is no chance of disturbing a bear.
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One last thing, Stump Kicker- the walking stick I describe in your cougar post can also be used when walking in bear territory. It is a last defense though and awareness and prevention are still your number one defenses against the black bear.

Bears have a pugnent odor like a wet dog that rolled in a rotten gut pile. If you smell a foul odor while your romping around, it may be a bear. Do not carry food articles if you don't need to- if you do seal them up in thick freezer baggies to lessen the smell.

Stay safe!

--spotforkids.org