“Black bears are wild, powerful animals that should be appreciated from a distance. They may defend themselves when surprised, threatened or protecting their cubs.” Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Where in Michigan
More than 85% of the population in the Upper Peninsula; also the northern Lower Peninsula; complaints get rarer farther south Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Grizzlies have longer front claws, humped shoulders and a more concave face. Color does not settle it: brown bears can be black to blonde.
When mammals are seen in Michigan
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
5,339 records (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY).
What official sources advise
Black bears: appreciate from a distance; remove birdfeeders, grease-splattered grills and outdoor pet food, and put garbage out on the day of pickup. A bear in the yard is no reason to panic; scare it off with noise. Michigan Department of Natural Resources
“Black bears – Michigan’s only bear species – are solitary animals”
“Black bears are wild, powerful animals that should be appreciated from a distance. They may defend themselves when surprised, threatened or protecting their cubs.”
“Spotting a bear on your trail camera or wandering through your backyard is no reason to panic. You do not need to call local authorities or the DNR. This is natural bear behavior. You can scare the bear off by yelling, blowing an air horn or banging pots and pans.”
