Approximately 15,000 – 19,000 black bears (including cubs) roam the hardwood and conifer forests of northern Michigan. About 90 percent of the bear live in the Upper Peninsula, while the remaining ten percent are mainly found in the northern Lower Peninsula.
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Where can I see bears in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?
Welcome to Oswald’s Bear Ranch, one top 10 best family friendly Upper Peninsula Attractions located just north of Newberry, MI. This complex is the largest (bear only) Bear Ranch in the entire United States of America.
How many black bears are in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?
Michigan is home to approximately 12,000 black bears. About 10,000 live in the Upper Peninsula, while 2,000 are in the Lower Peninsula, according to the DNR. The bears can be attracted to residences by the smell of birdfeed – even if the feeder is currently empty – grills, trash and pet food, Griffith said.
What counties in Michigan have bears?
Approximately 15,000-19,000 black bear roam Michigan forests. 90% of these bear are found in the upper peninsula with the remaining 10% found in the northern portion of lower Michigan. This includes Leelanau, Antrim, Grand Traverse and Benzie counties.
Are black bears aggressive?
In most cases, black bears are relatively shy, only acting aggressively as a last resort. Nevertheless, the most effective way to avoid a bear attack is by preventing encounters in the first place. Just because black bears can be less dangerous than other large carnivores doesn’t mean fatal attacks don’t happen.
Are mountain lions in Michigan?
Cougar sightings are on the rise in Michigan. Confirmed sightings of the animal, also known as a puma or mountain lion, hit double digits for the first time in 2019, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources recorded more sightings in the last three years than it did in the 10 years prior.
Are there bears at Sleeping bear Dunes?
Black bears are an important and exciting part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is the only species of bear found in Michigan.Black bears are relatively long-lived.
What do you do if you see a black bear?
Stand and face the bear directly. Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices.
Are there any grizzly bears in Michigan?
The only species of bear found in Michigan is the black bear. Michigan’s forestland in the Upper Peninsula provides the ideal habitat for the species, with ample food and plenty of cover.The Michigan Department of Natural Resources protects the black bear from hunters.
Which state has the most black bears?
The Largest Black Bears on the Planet. A little known Bear Fact is that coastal North Carolina is home to the largest black bears on the planet! How big are they? North Carolina’s coastal black bears average 50-100 lbs or more than their cousins.
Does Michigan have wolves?
Wolves are native to Michigan, and they were once found throughout the state. But aggressive predator control programs in the 19th and 20th centuries, including a state-paid bounty, caused them to nearly die out.
What time of day do black bears come out?
Bears are most active at dusk and dawn, usually around water.
What smell do bears hate?
Bears Dislike the Scent of Anything Pine Related – Including Pine Oil. While bears love anything sweet (yes, even honey) they have often been found to steer clear of anything pine-scented. Bears dislike the scent of any pine-scented cleaners that contain pine.
Are bears scared of dogs?
Bears are naturally afraid of dogs, and being chased by them often changes the bears’ behavior. They are far more likely to avoid an area after a dog has charged after them, even if it happened in a spot that they had visited many times.
Will black bears eat you?
Black bear attacks on humans are rare but often begin as scuffles with dogs, experts say.Predatory attacks on humans by black bears are extremely rare, but experts are offering insight as to how some of them may start after a woman was killed in Canada by a black bear while searching for her dogs.
Are there black panthers in Michigan?
There is no one distinct species of wild cat called a black panther.I, like many, have been very skeptical over the years about the existence of these cats living in Michigan. The DNR does not recognize that the cat lives or much less thrives in Michigan at all.
How many Bobcat are in Michigan?
The upper peninsula of Michigan is 16,377 square miles. Crunch the numbers and it is probably safe to guess that the UP has 1000-1500 bobcat. Adult Bobcat typically weigh between 15 to 35 pounds with males generally being larger than females.
What big cats live in Michigan?
And how worried should we be? Cougars, also called mountain lions or pumas, are native to Michigan and would have been found here prior to European colonization of the region. Early European settlers, however, saw the cat as a threat to them and their livestock, as well as a competitor for venison and other wild game.
Do black bears come out at night?
Bears are usually active from dawn to dusk, but they may be seen any time of day or night. Bears in many places of high human use have become nocturnal in order to avoid people.
What do black bears in Michigan eat?
The majority of animal matter consumed by bears includes colonial insects and larvae such as ants, bees, beetles and other insects. However, bears are opportunistic feeders, and they are capable of preying on most small- to medium-sized animals including mice, squirrels, woodchucks, beaver, amphibians and reptiles.
Can you swim Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Sunshine, warm weather, and beautiful clear water are a recipe for beach activities, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a lot of pristine beach! The whole Lake Michigan lakeshore is open to swimming, but there are no lifeguards on duty, and be aware of possible Rip Currents.
