Wisconsin Black Bear Population on the Rise

Wisconsin Black Bear currently has a thriving black bear population, but that was not always the case. Prior to 1985, unlimited and increasing harvests caused the bear population to rapidly decline. Following a close of the bear season in 1985, and with the cooperation of major hunting organizations and the passage of authorizing legislation, a new system of bear hunting and harvest control began in 1986. Since then, the bear population in Wisconsin has nearly tripled.