Michigan's black bear population rising on both peninsulas, better cub survival possible

(MLive) Michigan’s black bear population is on the rise – and this year’s mild winter could result in higher cub survival rates, giving the species a bump, officials said.

Cody Norton, DNR bear specialist, presented his population analysis at a recent meeting of the Michigan Natural Resource Commission, and noted possible effects of the current mild winter, WLUC reports.

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In the Upper Peninsula, 10,218 bears were counted in 2022; that’s up 21% since 2012, according to DNR documents. The DNR’s goal is to continue to increase the bear population, but at a slower rate, by increasing the hunting harvest slightly.

In the northern Lower Peninsula, there were 2,008 bears in 2022, up 55% since 2012, according to documents. Here, the goal is to slow the population growth and achieve a stable population. ....................(more)

https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/02/michigans-black-bear-population-rising-on-both-peninsulas-better-cub-survival-possible.html