2025 Bear Surge in Michigan: DNR Issues Safety Tips

Do you ever get 'hangry?' If you think you're grumpy when you're hungry, imagine waking up from a 4-month-long nap with nothing in the fridge or pantry, only to catch a whiff of grilled hotdogs coming from your neighbor's backyard. That's black bear life in Michigan right now—and these black bears are hangry.

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

DNR Reports by County

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in a Facebook post, says they have already received over 100 bear complaints in 2025, mostly in Delta, Marquette, Menominee, Grand Traverse, Chippewa, and Otsego counties.

Michigan’s Bear Population Overview

With around 13,000 bears estimated to call Michigan home, humans are bound to have run-ins and surprise visits from Smokey's less chill cousin. It's kind of inevitable.

Top BearWise Tips for Homeowners

Here's how to not be the reason a bear treats your property like their own personal buffet, according to the experts at BearWise.org:

Never Feed or Approach Bears

This isn't Disney. You're not a Michigan princess who is going to approach an apex predator and suddenly overcome it with the need to sing a duet. They will, however, defend themselves. Stay back and stop treating wildlife like houseguests. And yes—this means you.

RELATED: 5 Animals You Can Hunt Year-Round in Michigan

Lockdown Your Trash and Recycling

If it smells even remotely edible, a bear will treat your garbage like you treat your refrigerator at 3 am while rummaging around for a snack. Store smart, and only roll your trash bins outside on pickup days.

Sorry, Birds, Buffets Closed for Bear Season

Bears look at birdseed like we look at candy. Remove feeders when bears are active unless you're goal is to host a Bear Brunch in your backyard (which, for the record, is a horrible idea).

Cleanup, Store It, and Alert the Masses

That uncleaned grill with fat drippings and leftover burger bits is a dinner bell for bears, as is the pet food you're storing outside. Bring the kibble indoors and clean the grill.

RELATED: CONFIRMED COUGAR SIGHTINGS: Photos of Michigan's Apex Predator

What to Do When You See a Bear

Finally, if you see a bear, let your neighbors know about it, even if you don't like them. They may have loud parties, but that doesn't mean they deserve to be a snack for one of Michigan's bears.