The northern black bear, Ursus americanus, is an
important part of Wisconsin�s northwoods
eco-system. Researchers and
volunteers from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Ashland
High School
and communities throughout the state have been studying black bears for nearly a
quarter of a century.
Since 2001, Dr. Tim Ginnett, Associate Professor of
Wildlife at UWSP has served as Project Director
for research that is promoting a better understanding of Wisconsin's black
bears. He continues a legacy
begun in 1976 by Dr. Neil Payne, a wildfe professor at UWSP, and Bruce Kohn,
Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources, who directed studies in food habits and habitat use. Dr.
Ray Anderson, also a wildlife
professor at UWSP, carried on the research from 1978 until his death in 2000. Some of his projects included
bear habitat
use, bear predation of whitetail fawns,
and bear behavior.
Today, many partners are involved in
The Wisconsin Black
Bear Research Project which is
working to synthesize years of Dr. Anderson�s research while
conducting new projects to help
us better understand our state�s second
largest mammal (the largest is the newly reintroduced elk).
Those partners include:
Maggie Heino
Bruce Prentice
Laine Stowell
The
University
of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources
The
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
The Paul Family Foundation
The Wisconsin Chapter of Safari Club International
The Madison Chapter of Safari Club International
SCI National Office
The Whiskey Jack Camp
The Ashland High School (ASH) Bear Project
The Wisconsin Bear Hunters through their contributions to the ASH Project
Additional funding
provided by a McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Research grant
WHY DO WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND BLACK BEARS?
Many people think we need to understand bears in order to
protect ourselves from being attacked by a bear. In fact, bear
attacks are rare.
While it�s a good idea to know
what to do if
you encounter a bear*, it�s also important to understand the
role
bears play in our ecosystem. Understanding bears will help us
maintain
healthy bear populations and reduce conflicts in areas
where bears and
people live in close proximity.
This website outlines some of the research, interesting
findings,
and exciting stories associated with The Wisconsin Black Bear
Research
Project. Enjoy getting to know some of the researchers
-- and the bears
-- as you
explore the site.
THE ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL RESEARCH
_______________________________________________________________________________
These pages
are maintained by Peggy Farrell
Comments are always welcome
* If you see a bear: make noises and wave your arm to let
the bear know you are there. Bears are shy and secretive. They are afraid of
people and will
normally leave the area if there are people around. If you
encounter a bear and surprise it, back away slowly. If you are near a vehicle or
a building,
go inside until the bear wanders away. Enjoy bears at a distance.
Respect their right to space in Wisconsin�s woods too!
For additional information on Wisconsin black bears and supporters of this project, visit these websites:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Safari Club International, Wisconsin Chapter