The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to be bear aware and take steps to prevent potential conflicts with black bears this spring. As the weather warms and people across the state begin spending more time outside, encounters with wildlife, including bears, increase.

Every spring, Wisconsin’s black bears emerge from their winter torpor and leave their dens in search of food and potentially new territory. These explorations sometimes cause unexpected interactions between black bears and the public. Bears are normally solitary forest animals, but their powerful sense of smell can lead them into urban areas in search of food, especially in the spring and fall.

To avoid potential conflicts, it’s important to recognize what attracts black bears and take steps to reduce these attractants whenever possible. Black bears are known for returning to locations where they’ve found good food sources in the past. That makes prevention the best tactic.

Although black bears are much more common in the northern half of the state, southern Wisconsin has seen more black bear activity in recent years. No matter where in Wisconsin you live or play, follow these basic steps from BearWise® to avoid attracting black bears around your home or campsite:

• Never feed or approach bears. Never feed a bear, whether intentionally or not. The risk of unexpected interactions increases when bears begin to associate people with food. If bears find a consistent food source around people or people actively feed a bear, the bear will make a habit of visiting the area or approaching people.
• Secure food, garage and recycling. Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage.
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
• Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.
• Clean and store grills inside. Barbeque grills and picnic tables often have leftover food scraps or residues on them that can attract black bears. Clean surfaces after use in public spaces to reduce negative human-bear interactions. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
• Alert neighbors to bear activity. See bears or evidence of bear activity in your backyard or neighborhood? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears.

If a black bear is near your home or cabin, from a safe location, try to scare the bear away by making loud noises (like clanging pots and pans together) or throwing objects in the bear’s direction. Black bears tend to avoid interactions with people if escape is possible, so make sure it has a clear escape route – never corner a bear. Do not turn your back to a bear or run away. Once the bear is gone, remove any items that may have attracted the bear in the first place. 

If you encounter a black bear while in the woods, stay calm and do not run. Wave your arms and make loud noises to scare it away. Then, back away slowly and seek a safe location where you can wait for the bear to leave. Never approach a bear. For your safety, do not attempt to break up a fight between a pet and a bear.

If unable to resolve a recurring issue with a nuisance bear, contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Wildlife Services toll-free lines:

• USDA Wildlife Services, Northern Wisconsin: 800-228-1368 (in-state) or 715-369-5221
• USDA Wildlife Services, Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663 (in-state) or 920-324-4514

For more information on how to avoid unexpected interactions with black bears, visit the DNR’s Black Bear Management webpage or visit our partners at BearWise®.

Submitted by Wisconsin DNR