Tag: Wisconsin DNR

Warning from wildlife expert after Wisconsin bear attack

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Black bear walking on forest floor covered with fallen autumn leaves

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Monday continued to investigate a black bear attack in Barron County that landed a 69-year-old woman in the hospital. What You Need To Know The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Monday continued to investigate a black bear attack in Barron County that landed a 69-year-old woman in the hospital DNR said there are about 24,000 bears in the state. Most of Wisconsin’s bears live in the northern two-thirds of the state The DNR also said black bears are not normally aggressive and will avoid humans as much as they can.

However, bears are known to be aggressive if their cubs are nearby and they feel threatened The woman was able to call 911 around 2 p.m. Saturday after the attack happened. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. She is currently in stable condition.  Officials said upon arrival, they searched for the bear. They located a cub in a tree. Officials said because of this, they believe the incident revolved around a “sow and cub,” otherwise known as a mother and baby bear. However, it is unknown why the attack happened, officials said.  Officials attempted to track the bear but have been unable to locate it, despite working with a trained bear hound dog. DNR said there is an ongoing effort to find the bear; several bear traps have been set. 

DNR said if captured, “the goal is to euthanize the bear and assess its condition.”  The DNR said the bear “exhibited a sustained series of aggressive behaviors towards the victim.” Black bears, officials said, who are aggressive, are more likely to repeat aggressive behavior. The DNR said its priority is human safety.  “Humane euthanasia is not always the standard practice in human/bear conflicts. Our actions in these types of situations are very carefully determined based upon the totality of the known evidence of each event,” said Randy Johnson, DNR large carnivore specialist. “Although we’re still working to piece together every element of what transpired in this incident, we know enough to warrant attempting to livetrap at the location of the incident and humanely euthanize this bear if captured.” The DNR said if it does capture the cub, it will be released back into the wild. Cubs can survive on their own by this time of year. 

The DNR said it did capture a male bear that was not involved in the attack. It was released.  “I know it can be really concerning when we have an event like this,” said Cady Sartini. “The main thing people need to remember is that black bear attacks are really rare, especially here in Wisconsin.” Sartini is an associate professor of wildlife at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and principal investigator for the Wisconsin Black Bear Project. DNR said there are about 24,000 bears in the state. Most of Wisconsin’s bears live in the northern two-thirds of the state.  The DNR also said black bears are not normally aggressive and will avoid humans as much as they can. However, bears are known to be aggressive if their cubs are nearby and they feel threatened.  Sartini said that while run-ins with a black bear can be few and far between, it’s still important for people to know what to do if they were to come into contact with one. “In most cases, the bear is going to go on about its business and you can go on about your business,” Sartini said.

“The best thing to do is to just back away slowly and let that bear be a bear… If the bear does happen to approach you, a good thing to do is to make yourself look big, make sure the bear knows that you know its there…” The DNR also offered these tips should someone encounter a bear:  If you encounter a bear in your yard or near your home: “Place yourself in a secure area so the bear has a clear escape path “Make a lot of noise by yelling, honking a car horn or banging pots and pans “Consider installing motion-activated water sprinklers, lights or alarms” If you encounter a bear while camping, hunting or hiking:  “Never approach a bear “Do not run “Do not lie down or play dead “Talk to the bear or start shouting if it doesn’t leave “Raise your arms above your head and wave them to appear larger than you are “Slowly back away and don’t turn your back on the bear “Always leave an escape route for the bear “Fight back if attacked”

Source: Warning from wildlife expert after Wisconsin bear attack

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18

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