The Michigan Department Of Natural Resources has issued a statewide warning that won’t apply to the whole state. Take down your bird feeders. Not because of the birds, but because of black bears.

Since Hunting restrictions set in 2012, the black bear population in Northern Michigan has skyrocketed 88% to around 12,000. With the spike, the DNR is focusing on keeping homeowners/vacationers in Northern Michigan safe.

Black Bear Quick Facts-

1. They can live to be over 30 years old

2. Female Black bears can weigh up to 300 lbs/Males up to 500 lbs

3. Black Bear cubs weigh between 10-15 lbs at birth.

4. Black Bears can run up to 35 mph while pursuing prey, or evading danger.

5. Black Bears can smell up to 20 miles away.

Yes, 20 miles away. With a home range (land occupied seasonally/annually) of up to 335 squares miles, bears will sniff out bird feeders as their next food source. Although Black Bears are typically mild mannered, they are opportunistic omnivorous eaters who are most active at dawn, and dusk. You have little risk of being attacked, but the DNR says if you encounter one, stand your ground, and do NOT run away. So if you vacation in Northern Michigan, lock up your trash cans, and consider taking down your bird feeders.