<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1xCmXW_0vhsDqA600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1xCmXW_0vhsDqA600" width="300" height="221" ></figure><p>It is looking like hunters will have a great opportunity to harvest a bear this year as there is an estimated over 24,000 in the state of Wisconsin. With this large population there is a trend seeing bears move further south in the state.</p><h2>Hunting</h2><p>“We have a careful system of issuing licenses through a lottery to make sure we end up harvesting a number of bears that is within the biological limits to keep the population sustainable,” explains large carnivore specialist Randy Johnson. “This year we awarded 11,500 licenses and from that we expect to harvest about 3,800 bears.”</p><p>Johnson says that all indications point to the bears being healthy this year, even with this large population. He also explains that the bears use the late summer and early fall to put on as much weight as they can before hibernation. The bears eat things like acorns and berries to help prepare themselves for the hibernation. Johnson says based on what they have seen from hunter reports they estimate the average weight of bears to be around 200 pounds with some getting over 700 pounds.</p><p>Johnson explains that if someone wants to get into bear hunting, they may have a lengthy wait to get a license. He says that if someone applies for a license in the northern zones that they would have to wait 10-12 years to get the license. Randy Johnson explains that with bears moving further south, that applying for a southern zone license will get people in the woods in 1-3 years. Although the numbers are fewer going south, he says that there is still a great opportunity to harvest bears in the lower zones.</p><h2>Safety</h2><p>“Every year especially in the early spring we see bears popping up further south,” explains Johnson. “A lot of times these are younger bears that are off on their own for the first time and some find themselves in unusual places. These bears will usually just pass through and continue on their way.”</p><p>With bears moving further south in the state and having a large population, it is inevitable that there will be some human-bear conflict. Johnson says that if you suspect bear issues, you should contact the USDA Wildlife Services for an investigation. There are also other proactive things that can be done like moving bird feeders, making sure trash is secure, and overall getting rid of any food attractants. Johnson points people to bearwise.org for more helpful tips to limit the human-bear conflicts.</p><p>Randy Johnson explains that if someone wants to see a bear, the best way is just to spend time in the woods. He also says that if you do happen to come across one of the large animals that you should remain calm and back out slowly. A good rule of thumb is to remain 100 yards away from the bears, but if you are not affecting their behavior, you are most likely a safe distance away.</p></div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Bears Are Plentiful As Hunting Season Is In Full Swing

It is looking like hunters will have a great opportunity to harvest a bear this year as there is an estimated over 24,000 in the state of Wisconsin. With this large population there is a trend seeing bears move further south in the state. Hunting. “We have a careful system...