Wisconsin Center for Wildlife

The Stephens Family Foundation Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project

A UW-Stevens Point student conducting research on a black bear cub.

Exploring the Lives of Wisconsin’s Iconic Black Bears

What can decades of dedicated research teach us about one of Wisconsin’s most iconic animals? At UW–Stevens Point, the Black Bear Research Project brings together scientists, students and the community to answer that question. With nearly half a century of field studies, the project continues to reveal new insights into black bear behavior, population dynamics and habitat needs. By combining scientific discovery with hands-on student involvement, it not only deepens our understanding of bears but also inspires future wildlife professionals to carry this important work forward.

Current Projects

The Black Bear Research Project at UW–Stevens Point studies the behavior, ecology and population dynamics of Wisconsin’s black bears. Researchers and students work together in the field, tracking bears, monitoring cub survival and gathering long-term data that guide wildlife management decisions across the state. Students also gain hands-on experience through classes and projects, from radio-tracking rehabilitated bears to surveying public perspectives on wildlife. With nearly 50 years of research, the project continues to shape conservation efforts while training the next generation of wildlife professionals.

Students completing research on black bear cub.

Black Bear Cub Production and Survival

The longest running portion of the Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project involves locating black bear dens during hibernation, collaring female bears, counting cubs or yearlings in the den, and monitoring them to track survival of the cubs.

Cady Sartini, Ph.D., stands before a group of students and a plush black bear on a net and tarp on the floor

Black Bear Ecology and Management Class

Cady Sartini teaches the Black Bear Ecology and Management course at UW-Stevens Point. This semester long course includes a required weekend workshop where students become trained on field techniques critical for researching and working with wild black bears. Students learn about chemical immobilization of bears, how to locate dens, how to conduct den site visits, how to collar and collect data.

Post-Release Movement of Rehabilitated Orphaned Yearlings

The Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society at UW-Stevens Point participates in a project investigating the post-release movements and survival of black bear yearlings that were orphaned, raised in a wildlife rehabilitation center, and released. With Cady Sartini’s guidance and supervision, students collared and released orphaned and rehabilitated black bear yearlings and track their movements with radio-telemetry.

Let’s Connect!

Cady Sartini, an associate professor, has been teaching at UW–Stevens Point since 2014. She teaches courses for students from the freshman to graduate level. Sartini is the principal investigator for the Stephens Foundation Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project. She involves undergraduate and graduate students in black bear research through dedicated research opportunities and a unique black bear ecology and management course at UW–Stevens Point.

Cady Sartini

Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Wildlife Discipline
Principal Investigator for the Wisconsin Black Bear Project

College of Natural Resources, Wildlife, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife

cady.sartini@uwsp.edu

715-346-4546

View profile

Meet Our Outstanding Students!

Students at the Wisconsin Center for Wildlife are studying the ecology and management of black bears, focusing on population dynamics, behavior and human-wildlife interactions. Their research includes monitoring cub survival, tracking rehabilitated yearlings after release and analyzing long-term data on bear reproduction and habitat use. They also explore public perspectives on wildlife conflicts and management programs, adding a social dimension to the science. By combining decades of fieldwork with hands-on student projects, this research strengthens conservation efforts and guides black bear management across Wisconsin.

A UW-Stevens Point student working with a black bear cub.

Hayden Walkush

Hayden Walkush is a graduate student studying the spatial and behavioral ecology of black bears in Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. His research focuses on how GPS-collared female bears use resources and adjust activity patterns in response to habitat, natural food availability and hunting activities such as baiting and hound pursuits. By linking behavior to environmental and human factors, Walkush’s work will enhance understanding of black bear ecology in Wisconsin and help identify critical habitats and bear responses to hunting pressure.

A UW-Stevens Point student doing research on a black bear cub in Wisconsin.

Jena Garceau

Safari Club Fellow

Jena is working with Hayden Walkush’s project to study black bear movements in relation to bait sites. She will use these data to analyze bear behavior patterns in areas with different bait site densities. She will also compare bear behavior based on available natural forage. This research will help scientists better understand how bears make movement decisions relative to food availability in their environment. The findings will be developed into a publication.

UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Funded $1 million for Black Bear Project

The WCW is happy to announce the College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point has received a $1 million endowment in 2023 to ensure the continuation of the work and support the development of conservation professionals committed to black bear research. Funding comes from three sources:

Read the full News Release

The Stephens Family Foundation Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project Endowment:

The Stephens Family Foundation is a staunch supporter of conservation and the UWSP College of Natural Resources. These funds will support all operations and needs of the college’s black bear research and education.

A UW-Stevens Point student holding a young black bear cub.

The Searle-Dew-Thomas Boone and Crockett Wisconsin Black Bear Fellowship Endowment:

This endowment will support a research fellowship program, providing undergraduate and graduate student opportunities in cutting-edge black bear research.

A group of people learning how to do research on black bears in Wisconsin.

The Safari Club International Wisconsin Black Bear Research Fellowship Endowment:

Multiple Wisconsin chapters of Safari Club International — including the Badgerland Chapter, Bowhunters Chapter, Illinois/Chicago Chapter and Northeast Wisconsin Chapter – have come together to secure funding in support of UW-Stevens Point’s black bear research and education initiatives. These contributions will significantly enhance the university’s ability to protect and conserve Wisconsin’s black bear population.

Do you know of a bear den within the area in this map?

Report a Bear Den

Please report bear dens using the button below or by contacting Cady Sartini at:
csartini@uwsp.edu or at 715-346-4546

Clam Lake Area landowners with dens have the chance to join us when we conduct the bear research to see, touch, and get a picture of a real black bear!

Report Here

Lab History and Resources

BearWise is a nation-wide organization dedicated to helping people live responsibly with black bears. Wisconsin is a member state of BearWise.

Learn More Here

Learn more about the history of The Stephens Family Foundation Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project:

The WCW’s 2023 Spring Seminar Series featured six speakers discussing the cultural, scientific, and ecological importance of Wisconsin’s largest carnivore, the American Black Bear. Speakers included wildlife professionals from Wisconsin and around the country who specialize in black bear management and bear/human conflict resolution, as well as speakers who share the cultural significance of black bears. WCW’s own Cady Sartini, Principal Investigator of the Stephens Family Foundation Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project, spoke on the full history of this unique project at UW-Stevens Point.

View Recordings Here