Report Black Bear Den Locations For Research Study
Bear den survey participants wear protective gear and keep vulnerable cubs warm while DNR staff members fit a GPS collar on the mother bear during den surveys.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to report any black bear den locations they find in Wisconsin to help with an ongoing statewide study on black bear reproduction and population. The DNR’s bear den team has begun surveying dens for the season but welcomes additional den reports.
The Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey will generate new data within each bear management zone, which will improve the accuracy of population models. 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.
Black bear cubs are typically born in late January or early February, and dens are often found during this time because people can hear the cubs squeaking, grunting or humming, usually while they are nursing.
The research team will take den reports statewide and is particularly interested in dens found in bear management zones C, E and F, or roughly south of State Highway 64. Collaring bears across the state enables DNR research scientists to produce more accurate bear population estimates, which, in turn, supports management decision-making.
The public is encouraged to report as much information about occupied black bear dens as possible without approaching or disturbing 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
The survey team will work with den reporters and landowners to visit the den before deciding to survey, to determine whether the den is safe, accessible and in use. The team may not be able to visit every reported den location this season. Dens that are known to be currently occupied will be prioritized.
Thank you in advance for your help with this critical research!
To report a black bear den, visit the DNR’s black bear den submission form.
Magazine Highlights Unique DNR Duties
Fish and wildlife can get sick, just like humans. When that happens, the DNR may be called upon to help. Did you know the agency has wildlife veterinarians? Most people don’t realize it, but the DNR employs three fully licensed veterinarians, dedicated doctors who take on a multitude of tasks to keep the state’s fish and wildlife healthy. Learn more about the “Veterinarians of the DNR” in the latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
The magazine also highlights more work that often comes in under the radar — or, in this case, underwater — the DNR’s Mission Ready ROV Team. This committed group of conservation wardens spends time, in addition to their regular duties, to train as operators of underwater search drones, known as remotely operated vehicles.
Working in conditions from ice-covered winter waters to busy summer lakes, they can look beneath the surface to find things such as storm debris, stolen property, infrastructure issues, invasive species and more. They may help in cases of boating accidents or even criminal investigations, using their skills to guide the ROV in often difficult circumstances as they demonstrate a “Heartfelt desire to help.”
Find these stories and more in the Winter magazine digital edition. Or you can subscribe online now to get the print issue delivered. You also can call 1-800-678-9472 to sign up, renew or give a gift subscription. |
Take A Friend Snowmobiling
This weekend marks the start of Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week (Feb. 7-16, 2026), which aims to recruit new snowmobilers to the sport. While on the trails, support a local business, soak in the views and show your ride-along friend why so many people are passionate about snowmobiling in Wisconsin.
Not only is it safer to ride with others, but it’s also more fun,” said DNR off-highway vehicle administrator Lt. Jacob Holsclaw. “Plus, it can be exciting to share your passion about this outdoor sport with someone who has never experienced seeing the state’s beauty while riding on a sled.”
Responsible operation starts by always riding sober, under control and respecting the trail system.
Dress warm, review the laws and regulations, check trail conditions, get a Snowmobile Trail Pass and encourage your friend to take a safety education class before hitting the trails.
Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1985, and who has reached the age of 12, must have completed and received a snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile in Wisconsin.
Here are a few more snowmobile safety tips:
- Impairment of any kind – drugs or alcohol – can have tragic consequences.
- Remember that ice is never completely safe under any conditions.
- Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or float coat, in case you fall through the ice and to help retain body heat.
- Always operate within the limits of your skills, visibility and snowmobile.
- Stop and look both ways before crossing a road. All snowmobile operators are required to obey stop sign postings and stop. Be sure the path is clear of all oncoming traffic.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Slow down.
Visit the DNR’s Snowmobiling webpage for additional information on snowmobile safety classes, safety tips and how to register your snowmobile.
Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin |
Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library
Library patrons: have you checked out the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program yet?
Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library is a collaborative effort between the DNR, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and more than 120 libraries across the state to provide library cardholders the opportunity to check out a day pass to state parks, forests and recreation areas.
As the initiative moves into its fifth year, the DNR continues to encourage new users to check out the Wisconsin State Park System by utilizing this program. Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library was launched in fall 2022, with 20 public libraries participating in the pilot program. In 2024, 160 libraries with over 200 library locations provided daily Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission passes for check out to library patrons at no cost.
Also in 2024, participation in the program was extended to all types of libraries, including specialized libraries. The University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Superior were the first specialized libraries to carry day park passes.
Along with the day pass, library cardholders may receive an informational kit of state park system materials, including maps, stickers, accessibility information and more.
Learn more about the program on the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library webpage.
For visitors that may be new to state parks, the DNR offers a New to Parks? webpage to help identify a property to visit and plan ahead for a safe and fun outing. |
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