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Wisconsin DNR Urges Residents to Prevent Bear Encounters

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/04/06 .. -urges-residents-to-prevent-bear-encounters.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, April 6th 2026 at 11:57 GMT by WFRV Green Bay
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Madison, Wisconsin - April 6th, 2026 - As spring fully arrives in Wisconsin, the state's black bear population is becoming increasingly active following their winter dormancy. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proactively urging residents to take preventative measures to minimize potential bear encounters and ensure both human and animal safety. The DNR reports a consistent, healthy bear population across the state, and with burgeoning human development encroaching on traditional bear habitats, the potential for interaction is growing.

"Most bear encounters are entirely preventable, and that's the message we want to drive home," stated DNR Wildlife Warden Ryan Thiel in a press conference this morning. "Bears are naturally wary of humans, and their actions are largely dictated by the availability of food. By simply being mindful of what attracts them, residents can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a negative interaction."

A Growing Concern: Human-Bear Conflict

The DNR has seen a slight, but consistent, increase in reported bear-related incidents over the past five years, largely attributable to increased human presence in previously remote areas and a couple of milder winters that reduced the length and severity of natural hibernation. While serious attacks remain rare, nuisance behaviors - such as bears raiding garbage cans, bird feeders, or unsecured food storage - are becoming more common, leading to property damage and potential habituation of bears to human food sources. Habituation is a particularly serious concern, as bears that become accustomed to easily accessible human food lose their natural foraging instincts and may become bolder and more persistent in seeking out such sources.

Preventative Measures: Securing Food and Removing Attractants The DNR's recommendations center around responsible food storage and the elimination of attractants. This includes:

• Garbage Management: Residents are strongly advised to store all garbage in airtight, bear-resistant containers. These containers should be kept inside a secure building, such as a garage, shed, or designated bear-proof storage area, until the morning of scheduled collection. Regular cleaning of garbage cans with disinfectant is also recommended to eliminate lingering odors.
• Grill and Fire Pit Sanitation: Outdoor cooking areas, including grills and fire pits, should be thoroughly cleaned after each use to remove any food residue or grease. These remnants can be highly attractive to bears.
• Bird Feeder Management: While many enjoy feeding birds, the DNR advises removing bird feeders entirely during the spring and summer months, when natural food sources are abundant. If feeders are kept up year-round, they should be placed strategically - far from houses and inaccessible to bears - and cleaned frequently to prevent seed spillage. Newer 'bear-resistant' bird feeders are proving effective, but require consistent maintenance.
• Fruit and Seed Cleanup: Fallen fruit from trees and spilled seed from bird feeders should be promptly cleaned up. Composting food scraps is acceptable, but compost piles should be enclosed and maintained properly to minimize odors.

What to Do During a Bear Encounter The DNR emphasizes the importance of knowing how to react if you encounter a bear. The key is to remain calm and avoid actions that might be perceived as threatening.

• Maintain Distance: If you see a bear, do not approach it under any circumstances. Give the animal plenty of space to move on its own. A safe distance is generally considered to be at least 100 feet.
• Make Noise: Alert the bear to your presence by making noise - talking loudly, singing, or using a whistle. This can help the bear avoid you altogether.
• Appear Large: If a bear approaches you, stand your ground and make yourself look as large as possible. Raise your arms above your head and wave them slowly. Speak in a firm, assertive voice.
• Never Run: Running may trigger a bear's predatory instincts. Instead, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact.

Resources and Further Information The Wisconsin DNR provides comprehensive information on bear safety and responsible wildlife viewing. Residents are encouraged to visit the DNR website at [ https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/blackBear ] to access fact sheets, prevention strategies, and reporting procedures. The DNR also offers educational programs for schools and community groups to raise awareness about bear safety. Furthermore, several counties are piloting a new 'Bear Smart' neighborhood program that aims to educate residents about proactive measures and establish community-level bear safety protocols. With continued vigilance and responsible behavior, Wisconsin residents and black bears can coexist peacefully.