DEC Seeks Assistance to Locate Black Bear Dens

The DEC is seeking the public's assistance to locate new black bear dens throughout New York State. 

As part of the DEC's ongoing monitoring of black bears, wildlife biologists periodically check on black bears during the winter den season. The bears may be fitted with a radio collar to help biologists track the bears activities throughout the year.

Bears may den in rock crevices, tree cavities, or under heavy brush or fallen trees. Female bears typically give birth in January or February, so squeals from bear cubs could be heard if near a den.

New York hikers and hunters typically cover countless miles of wooded terrain each year. DEC urges anyone who finds a bear den to not approach or disturb the den, but simply to note the location and move away from the den site.

The DEC asks that anyone who discovers a bear den to contact their local DEC wildlife office with specifics about the den location. A full list of regional wildlife offices is available on the DEC website.