Celebrating Wisconsin’s Black Bears: Conservation, Education, and Coexistence
National Black Bear Day, observed on June 7, is a time to appreciate and learn about these remarkable animals. Black bears are intelligent, adaptable, and vital to Wisconsin’s ecosystems. While their populations have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts, they still face challenges, including habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflicts.
Wisconsin’s Black Bear Population
Wisconsin’s black bear population has grown significantly over the past few decades, increasing from 9,000 bears in 1989 to over 24,000 today. Their range has expanded southward, meaning more residents may encounter bears outside traditional bear habitats. The Wisconsin DNR actively manages bear populations through regulated hunting and conservation programs.
Educational Flyer: Learn, Share, Protect!
Our Black Bear Conservation & Education Flyer is designed to spread awareness about the challenges Wisconsin’s black bears face and how we can take action to protect them.
What’s Inside?
✔ Key facts about black bear behavior and ecology
✔ WI Black Bear Education Center
✔ Tips for peaceful coexistence with black bears
✔ How YOU can support conservation efforts
🚨 Why It Matters:
Education is the first step toward effective conservation. By sharing this flyer, you’re helping to inform your community, correct misconceptions, and build support for stronger protections.
📢 Help us spread the word! Take a flyer, hang it up, and share the message: Wisconsin’s black bears deserve a future!
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Bear-Hounding Season and Its Impact
Over the next several weeks, Wisconsin’s bear hunters will be training their hounds on free-roaming black bears in preparation for the fall hunting season. The bear-hounding season runs from mid-September to mid-October, but the training period starts in July and continues through August.
During both training and the main hounding season, hunters use bait traps to attract bears. These bait sites—often set months in advance—can spread disease among other wildlife, according to Melissa Smith, executive director of Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf and Wildlife.
“These bear baits don’t just attract bears,” Smith explains. “All wildlife likes high-fat, high-sugar foods. You’re congregating wildlife—which, from a wildlife disease perspective, is not good.”
The Wisconsin DNR estimates the state’s bear population is upwards of 24,000, with hunters harvesting about 3,800 bears last year. The fall hunt is intended to curb bear numbers to prevent human-bear conflicts, but Smith argues that hunters and their hounds can also be a nuisance to property owners in rural areas.
A February 2022 investigation by the Wisconsin Examiner detailed local law enforcement’s struggles to prevent clashes between bear hunters and landowners. Wisconsin’s permissive regulations on bear hounding and baiting have attracted out-of-state hunters, increasing pressure on northern Wisconsin’s bear population.
“This has been increasing over the years,” Smith notes. “Very limited places you can go to do this practice anymore, because the agencies found that it was unregulated, it was unhealthy for wildlife.”
Public Perception of Black Bears
A 2018 statewide poll conducted by the Wisconsin DNR found that more than 75% of respondents believe bears “help keep nature in balance,” and over half said Wisconsin should have as many bears as the habitat will support.
Special Presentation on July 17
Mark your CLAWenders
The Wisconsin Black Bear Education Center in Wausau, WI, is hosting a special presentation on July 17th from 6-7 pm all about bears. This event will provide insights into black bear ecology, conservation strategies, and ways to reduce human-bear conflicts. The center, founded by Jeff Traska, offers a unique, naturalistic environment for observing bears and learning about their behaviors.
Support the National Bear Coalition Project
The National Bear Coalition Project is working to curtail harmful practices that negatively impact bear populations and their ecosystems. By supporting this initiative, you can help promote ethical conservation strategies and ensure black bears continue to thrive in Wisconsin and beyond.
Here’s a compelling call to action for the National Bear Coalition Project:
Protect Wisconsin’s Black Bears—Take Action Today!
Black bears are an essential part of Wisconsin’s ecosystem, but they face increasing challenges from habitat loss, harmful hunting practices, and human-wildlife conflicts. The National Bear Coalition Project is working to curtail destructive practices and promote ethical conservation strategies to ensure black bears thrive for generations to come.
🖤 Your support makes a difference!
Every donation helps:
✔ Fund conservation initiatives that safeguard black bears and their habitats
✔ Support education efforts that promote peaceful coexistence with wildlife
✔ Advocate for stronger protections against harmful hunting and baiting practices
🚨 Bears need you NOW! 🚨
Join the movement to create a safer future for black bears. Your donation—big or small—helps protect these incredible animals.
🔗 Donate today and be part of the solution!
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Get Involved!
Want to support black bear conservation?
- Attend the July 17 presentation from the Wisconsin Black Bear Education Center.
- Hang up educational flyers in your community to spread awareness.
- Advocate for responsible wildlife policies to ensure black bears thrive in Wisconsin.
- Donate to the National Bear Coalition Project to help protect bears and their habitats.
Black bears are a vital part of Wisconsin’s natural heritage. By learning about them and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure they continue to roam our forests for generations to come.
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