Bear den, Bear den, have you seen a bear den?

(DNR) – Have you seen a bear den while out on a hunt?

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks for your help identifying potentially active black bear dens.

Den location data is being collected as part of the ongoing Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey, which seeks to estimate bear reproductive rates within management zones. The information gathered will then be used to inform bear management decisions, including harvest quotas, throughout the state.

If you see a potentially active black bear den while on a hunt, you can report its location to the scientists leading this project using this survey link.

For safe and effective reporting, please:

• Keep a safe distance of approximately 30 yards when near a suspected den.
• If you see a bear, do not try to approach even if you think it is resting.
• Take note of your surroundings. Are there any visible tracks, scratch marks on trees, scat or damaged vegetation nearby? Have there been recent bear sightings in the area? Do you hear any noises coming from the den?
• Drop a pin in your phone to record the GPS coordinates of your location. If this is not possible, try to remember a detailed description of where you were on the property in question.
• If you have a camera or a phone with a camera function, take a photo from a safe distance (approximately 30 yards) where the den is visible.