BearWise helps people live responsibly with bears
BearWise® is the program you can trust for sound information and smart solutions that help homeowners, businesses and communities coexist with bears.
From the BearWise Article Bank
How to be BearWise
Will bears find a good winter den at your place?
The Bear Facts
Bear den locations may surprise you
BearWise in the News
“DNR Warns: Black Bears Can Squeeze Through Your Pet Door”
November 30, 2025 | The Ticket
Statewide Michigan
“Michigan DNR: How to keep black bears from bedding down on your property”
November 20, 2025 | Morning Sun
Mount Pleasant, MI
“Michigan is home to 12,400 black bears. Don’t let your house become part of their den.”
November 18, 2025 | Michigan Live
MI state coverage
“2025 Bear Surge in Michigan: DNR Issues Safety Tips”
July 22, 2025 | 94.9 WMMQ
Lansing, MI
“What To Do If You Spot a Bear in Michigan”
July 17, 2025 | WKFR 103.3
Kalamazoo, MI
“There’s been 100 bear complaints in Michigan in 2025: Here’s tips to avoid them”
July 11, 2025 | Michigan Live
Grand Rapids, MI
Six At-Home BearWise Basics
Remove bird feeders when bears are active
Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears. Learn More
Clean and Store Grills, Smokers
Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out. Learn More
Do you spend time outdoors
…hiking, walking, cycling, jogging, camping?
Read how to Be BearWise Outdoors.
The Black Bear Comeback
Black bears once roamed over all of America’s forested lands. But after European settlement, their numbers and habitat dwindled. Thanks to new attitudes and enlightened conservation and management efforts, black bears are making a dramatic comeback over much of their historic home range. Now that bears are returning to areas they used to call home, it’s up to people and communities to learn how to peacefully coexist with these amazing animals.
BearWise shares ways to prevent conflicts, provides resources to resolve problems, and encourages community initiatives to keep bears wild.
BearWise® is a program of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. Read more About BearWise.
