Michigan is home to about 12,400 black bears that spend much of their summer looking for food. If you're planning to camp in the Upper Peninsula or northern Lower Peninsula, keep these tips in mind for safely interacting with bears.
- Keep food in bear-resistant containers or out of sight in a locked vehicle or hard-sided camper. If rustic camping, hang food at least 10 feet high and 10 feet away from large tree limbs to prevent bears from reaching it.
- Maintain a clean camp, especially keeping grills clean and properly disposing of food waste in a trash receptacle or at least 100 yards downwind of your camp. Even clothes and towels used while cooking food may attract bears.
- Do not intentionally feed bears. Feeding can cause bears to become habituated to people and lead to conflicts.
- If you see a bear, do not panic. Bears are naturally afraid of people. Make loud vocalizations like "Hey bear" and wave your arms to look big and intimidating. Do not run, and keep dogs leashed.
To learn more about coexisting with bears, visit BearWise or Michigan.gov/Wildlife or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.