BEAR HUNTING

Wisconsin’s bear population is estimated at over 11,000 bears. They primarily live in the upper one-third of our state. However, there have been some bear sightings in the central and southern counties. When bear populations get too large, more human-bear conflicts can occur. This is why there is bear harvesting; it keeps bear populations under control.

Whenever you hunt bear you have to obtain a hunting license. And you should also take a hunter safety program before you hunt. This program will teach you how to be safe in the woods.

Bear facts:
• Males can generally weight 250-350 pounds, while females weight from 120-180 pounds.

• Bears are omnivores—they eat almost everything. They’ll eat insects, berries, nuts and vegetation. They have been known to eat small mammals. Bears also invade personal property where they may eat beehives, garbage, livestock and agricultural crops.

• Bears are typically very shy and try very hard to stay away from humans.

• You thought bears hibernate, right? Well they don’t. They “den up” which means they fall into a deep sleep. But don’t be fooled, they are light sleepers and can be easily awakened their restful slumber.

For more information on bear hunting in Wisconsin log on to www.dnr.state.wi.us.