Black bears

Homeowner, rental or HOA

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Most problems with bears can be prevented by reducing access to human food, including food accidentally left outdoors or intentionally placed for viewing wildlife.
• Bears naturally avoid people, but caution should be taken to ensure the bear knows you are there, particularly when cubs are present.
• Michigan DNR is a member of BearWise® that provides many tips and resources for coexisting with black bears.

Around home

• Store potential food sources such as bird seed, livestock feed, and garbage inside sturdy buildings or behind electric fencing. Place garbage outside the morning of pickup to avoid bears rummaging the garbage can.
• Remove bird feeders from April through November.
• Clean grills of food scraps and grease after each use.
• Secure compost and avoid adding meat, grease, or strong-smelling foods.
• Pick ripe fruit promptly from trees and the ground.
• If a bear repeatedly visits your yard, remove all attractants for at least two weeks.
• Consider installing an electrified door mat for actively used cabins and other structures visited often. For infrequently used cabins the best approach is to thoroughly clean before leaving for the season, remove all food and garbage, and lock up tight.
• The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has an excellent guide to understanding and coexisting with black bears.

Pets and livestock

• Feed pets indoors when possible. If feeding pets outdoors, bring in the food and bowl immediately after they finish. Cat food is particularly oily and smelly in the bowl after the food is all gone.
• Do not allow pets to investigate bears. Keep dogs leashed or fenced, especially at night.
• Secure poultry, small livestock, and feed in sturdy buildings or behind properly installed electric fencing. Install electric fencing around beehives if bears live in your area. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing.

Camping and hiking

• Keep a clean camp - minimize food odors and waste. Food and toiletries should NEVER be kept in tents.
• Store food and toiletries in airtight containers in a vehicle trunk or suspend food in burlap, plastic bags, or backpacks from trees. Hang 12 feet above ground, 10 feet from trunk, and 5 feet from nearest branch.
• Always cook at a distance from your campsite and wash utensils shortly after eating.
• Don’t sleep in clothes that have cooking odors or blood on them.
• Store trash as you would food - burning or burying waste attracts bears.
• Travel in groups and make noise when hiking.
• Carry bear spray.

Encountering a bear

• BearWise® has great advice for maximizing safety during bear encounters.
• If you encounter a bear, stay calm and do not run. Back away slowly and continually say something like “hey bear”. Wave your arms above your head to appear bigger. Also prepare to use bear spray if you have it.
• If a bear is your general area, make loud noises from a safe location, to encourage the bear to move on if it lingers. Never approach a bear or attempt to haze it at close range.
• If you accidentally walk between bear cubs and their mother, back away slowly in a direction away from the cubs while vocalizing your presence to the mother. When possible, move in direction that allows the mother to easily see and reconnect with her cubs.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Eliminating access to food and other attractants is the most effective method for reducing bear problems. Bears have an excellent memory of where food occurs and may teach their cubs to frequent those locations too.
• Use properly installed electric fencing to protect beehives, poultry, fruit trees, compost, and garbage areas. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing.
• Various bear deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or noise makers, are available from retailers. Their effectiveness may be brief, and alternative methods may be needed.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If a bear continues to frequent your location after food resources have been removed for at least two weeks, contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to discuss safe hazing methods.
• If you find an injured bear or a bear cub that you believe its mother is dead, do not touch it. Immediately contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office or DNR RAP Line (800-292-7800).
• Michigan DNR is a member of BearWise®, which has many tips and resources for learning about and safely interacting with bears.

Lethal methods

• Black bears are a regulated game species in Michigan and may not be lethally removed by a property owner unless there is an immediate threat to human life.
• If a bear is an immediate threat to human life, call or text the Michigan DNR RAP line at: 800-292-7800. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• If a bear is causing or likely to cause property damage, contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to request a bear damage permit. Lethal removal may only occur after a permit is issued.
• A hunting license is required if the bear is taken outside the authority of a damage permit and during the established hunting season.

Local government

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Most problems with bears can be prevented by reducing access to human food, including food accidentally left outdoors or intentionally placed for viewing wildlife.
• Michigan DNR is a member of BearWise® that provides many tips and resources for coexisting with black bears, including information specifically for communities.

Your community

• Educate residents about removing bear attractants, especially garbage and bird feeders. Encourage residents to set out garbage cans the morning of pickup during spring through fall, when bears are most active.
• Work with residents and your local refuse management company to integrate bear-resistant garbage containers in the community and in parks and campgrounds.
• Implement ordinances and enforcement that prohibit feeding bears and other wildlife that may cause problems.
• Contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to discuss developing a community action plan to coexist with bears.
• The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has an excellent guide to understanding and coexisting with black bears.

Public spaces

• Prevent bear access to discarded food, garbage, or other waste around municipal buildings, parks, and facilities.
• Ensure dumpsters close securely and are regularly emptied. Encourage local restaurants to reduce bear access to garbage and grease containers.
• Remove fallen fruit from park trees.

Pets and livestock

• Educate residents about keeping dogs leashed or fenced, especially at night.
• Encourage residents to secure poultry, livestock feed, beehives and other food sources in sturdy buildings or within electrified fencing. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Eliminating access to food and other attractants in parks and neighborhoods is the most effective method for reducing bear problems. Bears have an excellent memory of where food occurs and may teach their cubs to frequent those locations too.
• Electric fencing can protect municipal compost sites, community gardens, and waste facilities. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing.
• Various bear deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or noise makers, are available from retailers. Their effectiveness may be brief, and alternative methods may be needed.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If a bear continues to frequent a location after food resources have been removed for at least two weeks, contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to discuss safe hazing methods.
• If someone finds an injured bear or a bear cub that they believe its mother is dead, do not touch it. Immediately contact a local DNR Wildlife Division office or DNR RAP Line (800-292-7800).

Lethal methods

• Local governments may not lethally remove a bear unless there is an immediate threat to human life.
• If a bear is an immediate threat to human life, call or text the Michigan DNR RAP line at: 800-292-7800. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• For bears causing property damage or repeatedly entering populated areas, contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to determine whether a bear damage permit is appropriate.
• A hunting license is required if the bear is taken outside the authority of a damage permit and during the established hunting season.
• If pursuing a bear trapping or lethal management program, coordination with the DNR is required.

Business or school

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Most problems with bears can be prevented by reducing access to human food, including food accidentally left outdoors or intentionally placed for viewing wildlife.
• Michigan DNR is a member of BearWise® that provides many tips and resources for coexisting with black bears.

Grounds

• Ensure potential food sources, such as cafeteria waste and grease containers are locked and are emptied regularly. Store food waste indoors until pickup when possible.
• Use bear-resistant garbage containers when possible.
• Remove fallen fruit or unsecured food items from business property or school grounds.
• Remove bird feeders from spring through fall.
• Clean grills and outdoor cooking areas after use.
• The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has an excellent guide to understanding and coexisting with black bears.

Pets and livestock

• Dogs should be leashed or fenced if bears are known to visit the area.
• Ensure bears do not have access to pet food or livestock food. Pet food and bowls should be brought in from outside when the pet is done eating.
• If your business or school has poultry or livestock, ensure they are secured in sturdy buildings or behind properly installed electric fencing. Install electric fencing around beehives if bears live in the area. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Eliminating access to food and other attractants in parks and neighborhoods is the most effective method for reducing bear problems. Bears have an excellent memory of where food occurs and may teach their cubs to frequent those locations too.
• Electric fencing can protect garbage and compost sites and school gardens. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing.
• Various bear deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or noise makers, are available from retailers. Their effectiveness may be brief, and alternative methods may be needed.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If a bear continues to frequent your area after food resources have been removed for at least two weeks, contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to discuss safe hazing methods.
• If someone finds an injured bear or a bear cub that they believe its mother is dead, do not touch it. Immediately contact a local DNR Wildlife Division office or DNR RAP Line (800-292-7800).

Lethal methods

• Businesses and schools may not lethally remove a bear unless there is an immediate threat to human life.
• If a bear is an immediate threat to human life, call or text the Michigan DNR RAP line at: 800-292-7800. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• For bears causing property damage or repeatedly entering populated areas, contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to determine whether a bear damage permit is appropriate.
• A hunting license is required if the bear is taken outside the authority of a damage permit and during the established hunting season.

Agriculture

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Most problems with bears can be prevented by reducing access to potential food resources, including livestock feed and spilled grain.
• Michigan DNR is a member of BearWise® that provides many tips and resources for coexisting with black bears.

Your farm or orchard

• Store livestock feed and garbage in solid buildings or bear-resistant garbage containers when possible.
• Access to human provided food can habituate bears to people. Discuss this point with your neighbors if you think bears are being accidentally or purposely fed in your area.
• Use electric fencing to protect crops, beehives or livestock at risk of bear damage.
• Manage orchards and berry patches to limit fallen fruit.
• Carcasses or afterbirth from livestock operations should be promptly removed. Carcasses should be composted or buried in accordance with MDARD regulations.

Pets and livestock

• Protect poultry and small livestock by keeping them in secure enclosures.
• Keep dogs leashed or fenced in areas where bears occur.
• Secure poultry, small livestock, and feed in sturdy buildings or behind properly installed electric fencing. Install electric fencing around beehives if bears live in your area. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Eliminating access to concentrated food sources is the most effective method for reducing bear problems. Bears have an excellent memory of where food occurs and may teach their cubs to frequent those locations too.
• Use properly installed electric fencing to protect beehives, poultry, fruit trees, and other concentrated food sources. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing.
• Various bear deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or noise makers, are available from retailers. Their effectiveness may be brief, and alternative methods may be needed.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If a bear continues to frequent your area after food resources have been removed for at least two weeks, contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to discuss safe hazing methods. Similarly, if a bear is continually damaging large crop fields or orchards, contact a local DNR office.
• If you find an injured bear or a bear cub that you believe its mother is dead, do not touch it. Immediately contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office or RAP Line (800-292-7800).

Lethal methods

• Black bears are a regulated game species in Michigan and may not be lethally removed by a property owner unless there is an immediate threat to human life.
• If a bear is an immediate threat to human life, call or text the Michigan DNR RAP line at: 800-292-7800. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• If a bear is causing or likely to cause property damage, contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to request a bear damage permit. Lethal removal may only occur after a permit is issued.
• A hunting license is required if the bear is taken outside the authority of a damage permit and during the established hunting season.

Airport

Prevent problems

Key strategies

• Most problems with bears can be prevented by reducing access to human food.
• Michigan DNR is a member of BearWise® that provides many tips and resources for coexisting with black bears.

Around buildings

• Secure cafeteria waste and outdoor garbage in bear-resistant containers near terminals or operations buildings.
• Various bear deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or noise makers, are available from retailers. Their effectiveness may be brief, and alternative methods may be needed.
• The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has an excellent guide to understanding and coexisting with black bears.

Airfields

• Maintain short vegetation and remove berry-producing shrubs near runways and taxiways.
• Install or maintain fencing to prevent bears from entering restricted areas. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing that may help to prevent bears climbing over the regular fence.
• Monitor drainage areas, wooded edges, and fence lines for bear activity.

Pets and livestock

• If poultry, livestock, or beehives are present, ensure they are secured in sturdy buildings or behind properly installed electric fencing. BearWise® provides recommendations for electric fencing.

Solve a problem

Non-lethal methods

• Eliminating access to concentrated food sources is the most effective method for reducing bear problems. Bears have an excellent memory of where food occurs and may teach their cubs to frequent those locations too.
• Various bear deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or noise makers, are available from retailers. Their effectiveness may be brief, and alternative methods may be needed.
• Use fencing, gates, or deterrents to prevent bears from entering critical airfield areas.
• If damage from wildlife is occurring but you are not sure what type of animal is causing it, setting up at least one trail camera at that location is a good way to identify the animal.
• If a bear ontinues to frequent airport property after food resources have been removed for at least two weeks, contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office to discuss safe hazing methods.
• If you find an injured bear or a bear cub that you believe its mother is dead, do not touch it. Immediately contact your local DNR Wildlife Division office or RAP Line (800-292-7800).

Lethal methods

• If a bear is causing a public safety issue at an airport, a DNR Wildlife Division regional supervisor or district law enforcement supervisor or their designee can issue a removal permit without an investigation.
• Lethal removal of a bear without a permit is prohibited except in immediate defense of human life.
• If a bear is an immediate threat to human life, call or text the Michigan DNR RAP line at: 800-292-7800. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• For bear issues other than public safety, contact a local DNR Wildlife Division office or a nuisance animal control company.