Black bears in Michigan emerge from hibernation in spring

Michigan has over 12,000 black bears, and they will soon be waking up from hibernation. This is the time for hikers and campers to be cautious. Black bears usually avoid humans, but encounters can happen, especially as they search for food. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), black bears mainly live in northern Michigan’s forests. They spend about six months in dens during winter, where they do not eat or drink. Bears can lose a significant amount of weight while hibernating. In Michigan, adult black bears' weights vary widely. Females can weigh between 100 to 250 pounds, while males can weigh between 150 to 400 pounds. These bears are known to be strong and can also be very curious about food sources. As bears come out of hibernation, they will be foraging for food. Residents are advised to secure food sources to avoid attracting bears. This includes removing bird feeders and keeping trash cans secured. Bears have a good sense of smell and can travel far to find food, which makes it crucial for people to take precautions. If a bear is spotted, experts recommend staying calm and not approaching the bear, especially if it has cubs. Black bears typically come out of hibernation from late March to late April. They will also start to have cubs, usually two to three, that are born during winter while they are still in their dens. Cubs are very small at birth but grow quickly. As bear activity increases, it’s important for everyone enjoying the outdoors to stay alert and informed.