Michigan Black Bear

There are around 10 - 15,000 estimated black bear in Michigan according to the DNR. While most bear reside in the U.P. , there are increasing sightings in lower Michigan as far south as Grand Rapids. This particular bear was photographed in the Central U.P in 2007. The first time I encountered a bear many years ago in the U.P., I completely froze and my legs felt like they had lead in them. I was halfway across a railroad trestle, and I couldn't move for several minutes. Luckily the bear was just as afraid of me. Black bear attacks on humans are extremely rare, and there is not a reason to panic if you see one.