From the Facebook of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 

How many black bear cubs does it take to change a lightbulb? We don’t know, but five is enough to fill the arms of a research scientist!

These are the cubs of Sow #7, a Rusk County bear collared as part of the Wisconsin DNR’s Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey. In late March, Wisconsin DNR scientists behind the project officially wrapped up den surveys for the season, and, because this research is in its fourth year, the team has now had the opportunity to visit some sows, like #7, multiple times.

In fact, #7 was collared in this project’s very first year. Back then, she had four yearlings (year-old bear cubs) with her in her den. During her year two survey, she had a fresh litter of four newborn cubs, all of which survived and were with her again as yearlings during her year three survey. This year was year four, and when scientists surveyed #7’s den, they were delighted to find another litter of not four, but five newborn cubs.

Having five cubs, while not unheard of in Wisconsin, is still quite rare and marks a first for this particular project. Because the cubs themselves are not collared, we likely won’t know how many will survive the year until #7’s den survey next winter. Until then, however, we’re certain that she’ll have her hands full!

The Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey aims to improve the accuracy of state population models and better inform future management decisions. You can learn more about this ongoing project at https://widnr.widen.net/…/black_bear_litter_and_diet

*Cubs cannot yet regulate their temperature and have delicate immune systems, so researchers wear protective gear, like masks, when handling them.