(Madison) The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Applied Science is asking for hunters help to identify potential active bear dens this winter. Den location data is being collected as part of the ongoing Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey.
The survey seeks to estimate bear reproductive rates within management zones and to monitor the effects that the consumption of human food might have on them.
The information gathered will then be used to inform bear management decisions, including harvest quotas, throughout the state.
Tips for safe and effective reporting include maintaining a safe distance of 30 yards when near a suspected den, taking note of your surroundings, dropping a pin in your phone to record the GPS coordinates, and using your phone to take a photo of the den.
A link to a video discussing the project is available HERE.
