What Many Michiganders Don’t Realize About Black Bears

Being a lifelong Michigander, I knew that we had bears in the state. But I was stunned when I found out how many there are. I also had no idea that eating bear meat was a thing. But as they say, you learn something new every day.

Just How Many Black Bears Does Michigan Have?

It turns out Michigan is home to about 12,500 black bears, and most of them live up in the Upper Peninsula. WZZM reported that during the 2025 season alone, hunters harvested nearly 2,000 bears statewide. That number by itself surprised me, but what really stopped me in my tracks was how big some of these animals were. We’re talking bears tipping the scales at more than 400 pounds, with a handful pushing past 500. Those aren’t storybook exaggerations, that’s real life in the U.P.

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According to the DNR, those massive bears are actually a sign that things are going well. Plenty of food, healthy habitats, and a long-term management plan that’s doing what it’s supposed to do. This year also marked 100 years of regulated bear hunting in Michigan, something I didn’t realize had such deep roots here.

Why Bear Hunting Is About Conservation

And then there are the people. One hunter was 97 years old and finally got his first bear after applying for a license for nine straight years. Another hunter talked about wanting to keep the tradition alive according to ABC12, because hunting plays a role in conservation.

Yes, People Really Do Eat Bear Meat

The part that really caught me off guard was the meat. Michigan law requires that edible bear meat be used, and some hunters even say they prefer it to venison as long as it’s cooked properly.

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Will I be adding bear to my dinner menu anytime soon? Probably not. But I walked away with a new appreciation for how wildlife is managed here, and for the fact that even after a lifetime in Michigan, there’s still plenty left to learn.