DETROIT – Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources is reminding people to be just be cool as bears push south.
There are ways to peacefully coexist alongside bears, which have lived in the area for millions of years.
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The state is home to an estimated 12,000 black bears, with roughly 85% living in the Upper Peninsula. The population in the Lower Peninsula has been growing steadily since 2000, and the bear’s range has expanded west and south, reaching the Grand Rapids and Traverse City metro areas and The Thumb.
The DNR said they receive hundreds of bear complaints every year that aren’t necessary.
“A bear simply passing through someone’s property does not warrant action from the DNR,” the department wrote in a newsletter sent out Tuesday, April 8. “Remember that the bears live here too.”
If steps are taken to keep food sources off properties, the bears are expected to just pass through. If not, black bears are easily scared off by loud noises -- such as banging pots together or using an airhorn.
Black bears tend to avoid people whenever possible, but they are opportunistic animals that take advantage of whatever food they can find.
Homeowners are suggested to replace bird feeders with bird baths and secure their trash in a garage or shed.
“We had a homeowner who wanted us to trap a bear because it was coming by their home every day,” said DNR Biologist Stephen Griffith. “But if a bear is coming by every day, there’s a problem. You need to fix the problem. Bears have a very, very good memory.”
If a bear visits regularly, it may take up to two weeks for it to stop showing up after food sources are removed.
Additionally, feeding bears is also a bad idea and bears that have become conditioned may be euthanized.
While bears can be captured and relocated to a better habitat, those locations have become more scarce as more land is developed.
Worst case scenario
If approached by a black bear, don’t run, but stand your ground and make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and jacket and yelling loudly.
If attacked, do not play dead, but fight back with anything available -- sticks, rocks, backpack, or just by kicking. Playing dead only works for grizzly bears.
