A black bear was spotted in the Howard area on Sunday. One witness, Melissa Farr, snapped a photo of the bear at around 5 p.m. in the Glen Kent Estates neighborhood.
Another photo was sent to us later in the day. Sherri Baierl said they spotted the bear on their porch in Suamico just outside of Howard.
According to the Wisconsin DNR, black bears are most commonly found in northern and central Wisconsin, and their population is growing.
The DNR recommends a few best practices to avoid conflict with bears, such as keeping garbage cans tightly shut, and if possible, kept inside a garage or shed. The DNR also recommends keeping bird feeders inside at night. The DNR says make bird feeders inaccessible to bears by hanging them 10 feet off the ground and at least 5 feet from any surface that can support a bear.
If you see a bear, keep your distance. Never approach a bear. If a bear becomes aggressive, do not run. Slowly back away and don’t turn your back on the bear. Allow room for the bear to get away.
Basically, the DNR says respect the bears' space and view them at a safe distance.
Learn more about bears in Wisconsin here.
