More than 12,000 Black Bears Are Emerging From Their Dens in Michigan — and the DNR Has an Urgent Warning

Spring is arriving in Michigan ... and so are the bears.

More than 12,450 black bears are waking up and leaving their winter dens across the state, and wildlife officials are urging residents to take precautions before encounters begin picking up. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the timing varies — some bears emerge briefly in March to stretch and return to sleep, while others leave their dens for good. Either way, sightings are expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks.