3/13/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - As spring gets closer, 12,450 black bears across Michigan are waking up and emerging from their dens.  With bear sightings growing in Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources has advice for anyone living near black bears.  If you see a bear in the woods before it notices you, standstill, and don’t approach. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction.  If a bear sees you, don’t run, as running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave, if you see a Bear cub do not approach it or pick it up. Never get between a mother and her cubs. If you find yourself in this position, move away from the cubs in a direction that allows the mother to quickly reconnect with them.  There are more than 10,000 black bears in the upper peninsula.