The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid potential conflicts with black bears across the state as they emerge from their dens early this spring.
Black bears are most common in the northern half of the state; however, populations have been slowly expanding southward for the past few decades.
They are naturally cautious animals that normally avoid contact with people for their safety, but conflicts between people and bears can arise.
Additionally, bears can quickly learn to associate humans with food when food sources are available.
If a bear finds food such as bird feed or garbage near homes and cabins, it will likely return.
The DNR suggests you do not feed a bear, and make sure you completely remove bird feeders whenever possible.
For more information regarding bears and safety, visit the DNR webpage.
