Hunters and trappers who encounter denned black bears in the fall and winter seasons are asked to report their sightings to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The DNR is continuing its annual program of placing radio-collars on a sample of female bears.

Bear den locations are being sought primarily in Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Crawford, Oscoda and Alcona counties in northeastern Lower Michigan.

After locating a denned bear, DNR biologists will determine if the animal is a good candidate for radio collaring. Bears that are selected will be sedated by a biologist and fitted with a radio-tracking collar and ear tags. Hair samples will be taken for DNA analysis and a small, non-functional tooth will be collected to determine the bear's age. Upon completion of the short procedure, biologists will carefully return the bear to her den, where she will sleep through the remainder of the winter months.

People who encounter bear dens are asked to record the location, with a Global Positioning System unit if possible, and contact Mark Boersen at the DNR Roscommon Operations Center at (989) 275-5151.

The public is reminded that it is illegal to disturb or harass bears at any time.