DNR asks hunters to report bear dens

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks hunters to report any bear dens spotted during the fall hunt.

Den location data is being collected as part of the ongoing Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey, which seeks to estimate bear reproductive rates within management zones. The information gathered will then be used to inform bear management decisions, including harvest quotas, throughout the state.

If a hunter sees a potentially active black bear den while on a hunt, they can report its location to the scientists leading this project on the online submission form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7DSMFZS.

For safe and effective reporting, do the following: 

• Keep a safe distance of approximately 30 yards when near a suspected den. If a bear is seen, do not try to approach it, even if it seems like they’re resting.

• Take note of surroundings. Are there any visible tracks, scratch marks on trees, scat or damaged vegetation nearby? Have there been recent bear sightings in the area? Are any noises heard coming from the bear den?

• Drop a pin in a phone to record GPS coordinates. If this is not possible, try to remember a detailed description of the property where the den was found.

• If the hunter has a camera, or a phone with a camera function, take a photo from a safe distance (approximately 30 yards) where the den is visible.

For more information, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/bearmanagement.