DNR Warns Michigan’s Black Bears Emerging from Hibernation

Michigan's roughly 12,450 black bears are starting to wake up from their long winter naps, stretch their legs, and immediately begin thinking the same thing many of us do after hibernating all winter: What's for breakfast? Unfortunately, sometimes that "breakfast" is found in your backyard.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), about 10,350 bears live in the Upper Peninsula, and around 2,100 roam the Lower Peninsula, most of them in the north. But lately, they've been pushing farther south into parts of Mid-Michigan. Translation: that "bear sighting" rumor on your neighborhood Facebook page might not just be someone confusing a trash can for a bear.

Why Bears Suddenly Show Up in Michigan Neighborhoods

Bears have a ridiculous sense of smell. We're talking food-detecting superpowers from nearly a mile away. And once they find something tasty like bird seed, trash, pet food, or grill grease, they'll remember that spot for years.

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That innocent backyard bird feeder? In bear terms, that's basically a neon sign flashing "FREE BUFFET. OPEN 24 HOURS."

How to Keep Bears Away From Your Michigan Home

The DNR recommends a few simple steps to keep your yard off the bear Yelp page:

• Take down bird feeders in spring and summer
• Clean grills after using them
• Don't leave pet food outside
• Put trash out the morning of collection day, not the night before
• Consider bear-resistant trash containers in bear-heavy areas

If a bear raids your feeder, don't call the DNR expecting a wildlife relocation program. Instead, remove the feeder for at least two weeks. Bears usually move on once a snack bar closes.

What To Do If You See a Bear

If you spot one before it notices you, quietly back away. If the bear does see you, don't run. Running can trigger a chase response. Slowly back away and give it space.

RELATED: Michigan’s Bear Population Growing, Harvest Declines Slightly

And if you see a cub? Enjoy the cuteness from a distance and do not approach. Mom is nearby, and she doesn't appreciate strangers touching her baby. Welcome to spring in Michigan, where the bears are awake... and hungry.