5 Spots in Wisconsin Teeming with Bears

Wisconsin, known as the Dairyland of America, is famous for a variety of reasons. As the name suggests, this state is the leading producer of dairy in the United States. Additionally, it has one of the most expansive outdoor recreational activities out of any other state in the country. Wisconsin has around 15,000 lakes — great for fishing, boating, and swimming. Plus, it has woodlands, beaches, rivers, and wetlands, all of which offer a plethora of things to do. Currently, forests make up 17 million acres in Wisconsin, which is about 46% of the total land area of the state. This expansive area is home to a whole host of animals, including bears. In this article, we will examine the best spots in Wisconsin teeming with bears.

What Kind of Bears Live in Wisconsin?

There is only one bear species native to Wisconsin, and that is the North American black bear (Ursus americanus). While this bear species has always lived in the state, both its population size and habitat range have significantly increased over the past decade. For background, black bears can climb trees and run over 30 miles an hour. Their diet consists mostly of berries, fruits, insects, and fish. Having said that, they also frequently consume human food by raiding campsites or going through garbage cans.

There are an estimated 24,000 bears in the state today. They are predominately located in the northern part of the state, but due to their growing population size, black bear sightings are getting much more common throughout all parts of Wisconsin. There are five main places in Wisconsin known for their bear population sightings. Read on to discover the top five spots in Wisconsin teeming with bears!

1. Chequamegon National Forest

Black bears are a prominent part of the ecosystem in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This expansive forest, located in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, is the largest forest in the state. Though it is legally two separate forests, this national forest covers more than 1.5 million acres of land. The Chequamegon section covers 858,400 acres with headquarters in Park Falls. It spans six counties including Ashland, Bayfield, Price, Sawyer, Taylor, and Vilas, and its headquarters are in Park Falls.

 The diverse landscape of this area includes forests, streams, lakes, and truly untouched wilderness. Because of its varying geography, this state forest is the perfect place for bears to thrive. The abundant food sources found there like berries, nuts, and small mammals attract black bears. This makes it the perfect habitat for bears.

2. Nicolet National Forest

As discussed previously, the Nicolet Forest is just one part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Its 661,400 acres spreads through Oneida, Forest, Oconto, Florence, Langlade, and Vilas counties. Its headquarters are in Rhinelander. Similar to the Chequamegon Forest, the environment is a prime habitat for bears. The Nicolet National Forest is made up of both hardwood and conifer forests, as well as rivers, pine savannas, meadows, and glacial lakes. Thanks to its array of plants, animals, and wildlife, bears have no shortage of excellent food sources to choose from in this area. Black bears are also naturally attracted to all of the intriguing sounds, sights, and smells of the many campgrounds in the area!

3. Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest

This protected forest in southeastern Wisconsin is known for its large bear population, though it is not typically expected for bears to live so far south. In recent years, Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest has seen an increased number of black bear sightings. Experts believe this is mainly due to the preferable climate and geography in the area. With a diverse landscape including woodlands, marshes, and glacial features, this region provides both a suitable habitat and plentiful food sources for bears to enjoy.

Timothee Van Deelen at the Pheasant Branch Conservancy explained that young bears might be encroaching on the south because the north is already too populated. “The big male bears are somewhat territorial, so they’ll keep the younger bears moving, and they have to make their way either overlapping with the home ranges of other bears or finding places that haven’t been claimed yet.”

4. Flambeau River State Forest

Situated in the north-central parts of Wisconsin, the Flambeau River State Park offers everything a black bear could ever need to stay happy, healthy, and full! It is 92,000 acres and features over 75 miles of whitewater canoeing and 35 rustic, waterfront campsites sites. This forest is also open for hunting bears, waterfowl, deer, and grouse — just to name a few. The forest, along with its associated waterways, provides the local wildlife with a variety of food sources and habitat options, which has undoubtedly contributed to its high bear population.

5. Black River State Forest

Located in the Western half of Jackson County, Black River State Forest offers a plethora of recreational activities, which attract locals and tourists alike. From camping, canoeing, and hunting, to hiking, skiing, and ATV riding, there is no shortage of things to do there! With that being said, bears love this state forest just as much as people do! This forest is made up of oak and pine woods, sandstone hills, and many bluffs. Black bears are frequently spotted across the diverse landscapes found within this 68,000-acre forest.

How to Stay Safe in Bear Country

Now that you know the top five places in Wisconsin teeming with bears, it’s important to know the standard safety precautions to take while in bear country! If you find yourself in these areas – or any place with a high bear population – it is crucial to prioritize safety for both yourself and the wild bears.

First, before you even leave your home, you must educate yourself on the typical behavior of bears in the area you plan to visit. In doing this, you will be prepared in case of an encounter. Knowing how bears respond to being spooked can also help you remain calm in this stressful, scary situation, which further ensures the safety of you and the bear. Moreover, staying alert during hiking, fishing, camping, or other outdoor activities is vital to avoid unsafe situations. Making noise is also a common practice to help avoid accidentally surprising a bear. Always keep a safe distance away from wild bears, even though that might seem like common sense. Never approach them and do not taunt them.

If you visit any of these spots in Wisconsin teeming with bears and do encounter one, always remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away from it. Bear spray is an essential tool while in bear country, but it should be thought of as a last resort option. If you are planning any hiking trips or weekend getaways in the woods of Wisconsin, stay up to date on any current bear protocols or guidelines provided by local authorities or park officials in the surrounding areas. These help protect the people as well as the bears, so heed any warnings to prevent avoidable conflicts and danger.

Conclusion

Bears are magnificent creatures, but it is important to respect their homes and any other natural habitats you may visit. This ensures humans and the many creatures of the forest can coexist peacefully together for years to come. Pro tip: if you are in Wisconsin and spot a bear, you are advised to always report your observation to the DNR!

Summary of the Top 5 Spots in Wisconsin Teeming with Bears