(WFRV) – In order to help the Wisconsin DNR with an ongoing statewide study on black bear reproduction and population, officials are once again asking Wisconsinites to report any known den locations.
DNR officials say that their bear den team has begun surveying dens for the season and are asking the public to report any black bear den locations to help their study.
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“The Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey will generate new data within each bear management zone, which will improve the accuracy of population models,” DNR officials stated. “Additionally, researchers are investigating a connection between consumption of human food sources and bear reproduction, since diet can affect cub survival rates and litter sizes.”
With black bear cubs typically being born in late January and early February, dens are somewhat easy to find this time of year due to the noise of the cubs.
The DNR will take reports statewide, but officials say they are particularly interested in dens near bear management zones C, E, and F, or roughly south of State Highway 64.
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Of course, the public is asked not to approach or disturb the dens. Helpful information to report to the bear research team includes:
- GPS coordinates (drop a pin on your phone’s map app)
- Photo of the den, ideally showing it in relation to its surroundings, from a safe distance (approximately 30 yards)
- Description of the site and the surrounding area
- Any information on bear activity near the site, such as fresh prints
No additional details were provided.
