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Wisconsin is home to a diverse population of bears, with black bears making up the majority. The American black bear is generally considered the smallest of the three bear species found in North America, and Wisconsin is an ideal habitat for them. These native creatures have made their homes throughout the state, from dense forests to open fields and other rural habitats. Bears continue to thrive in Wisconsin, thanks to the many conservation efforts made by state wildlife organizations and dedicated individuals.
Are there Black bears in Wisconsin?
Though Wisconsin is a rural state, there are still bears living in the wild. Black bears were nearly wiped out in Wisconsin, however, their population has been increasing over the last couple of decades. As the population grows, bear activity increases across the state and they can be observed in all types of terrain ranging from swamps to city areas and parks. Fortunately, human encounters with bears are pretty rare but hikers and campers should remain alert when exploring Wisconsin’s majestic forests.
Where are Black bears located in Wisconsin?
Brown bears are found mainly in the northern, wooded regions of Wisconsin while black bears are spread across the entire state. In fact, brown bear sightings have been recorded as far south as Dane County and Washington County. That being said, they are most commonly observed around Washburn, Bayfield, and Ashland Counties. Though some reports indicate that the bear population may be declining in Wisconsin due to pressures such as habitat loss and urbanization, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources estimates that there are about 26,000 black bears still living within its borders.
Habitat
Black Bears are an iconic species in Wisconsin, with many state parks and wildlife areas dedicated to their protection. They have a large range in the state, usually inhabiting the northern forests near lakes and rivers, although they can also be found in open farmland areas. In addition to their natural habitats, Black Bears will also inhabit areas with easy access to human food, such as dumps and campsites. During periods of drought or famine, these animals may become more visible even in heavily populated areas, as they search for sustenance.
Diet
They are opportunistic feeders and eat fruits, nuts, insects, honey and anything else that will provide them with sustenance. In the summer months, they prefer to consume plant foods such as berries or other sweet material whilst, during the winter, they tend to dine on carrion and small prey such as rodents or deer.
Colour
Wisconsin’s Black Bears are unmistakable: their fur coats are a mix of black, white and brown fur. While not truly black in colour, ‘black’ is the accepted name for these bears due to the overall colour presentation. Typically, Wisconsin’s Black Bears have more brown colouring than their coastal counterparts; something that contributes to their unique and distinct appearances.
Size, Lifespan and Weight
The average black bear will weigh between 150 to 600 pounds, or even more in some cases. In terms of length, an adult black bear can have a total standing size of 3 to 7 feet. Furthermore, black bears are long-lived species with a lifespan of approximately 15 – 25 years when living in the wild, and up to 30 years when in captivity.
Predators
Black Bears in Wisconsin have the occasional run-in with some of their more vicious predators, such as coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions. Fortunately for the bears, they are generally much larger than their predators and can often repel the attack. Still, if the predator sees an opportunity like a bear cub being left alone for even just a few minutes it might rush in to feed or carry away the smaller animal. This is something all bear families should keep in mind when venturing into Wisconsin’s forests and mountain ranges; while they may never see any of these predators on their travels, they must still be aware that they could be nearby lurking in shadows or behind tall grasses.
Reproduction
Black bears are equipped with sophisticated reproductive strategies that have allowed the species to thrive, even in the face of intense competition for resources. Their mating period starts in mid-May, although different populations have slight variations in timing. During this time, female bears will mate with multiple males and store sperm from each mating until wintertime when she enters into a state of delayed implantation.
This means that although her body can hold onto multiple sets of sperm at once, it won’t begin the process of producing cubs until later on in the year. A few months after entering hibernation, she’ll give birth to litters averaging two cubs (though litters can range between one and four). The mother bear will raise these cubs on her own over the winter before they venture out on their own come springtime.
How many bears are in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is home to healthy populations of black bears. Although exact population estimates tend to fluctuate, conservative estimates suggest that the state is home to approximately 24,000 black bears.
Reference:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/bearmanagement.html
https://www.weau.com/2022/05/24/wildlife-experts-give-tips-what-do-when-encountering-bear/
https://www.eekwi.org/animals/mammals/black-bear
Rahul M Suresh
Visiting the Zoo can be an exciting and educational experience for all involved. As a guide, I have the privilege of helping students and visitors alike to appreciate these animals in their natural habitat as well as introducing them to the various aspects of zoo life. I provide detailed information about the individual animals and their habitats, giving visitors an opportunity to understand each one more fully and appreciate them in a more intimate way.
