This large-scale killing caused the numbers of bears to decrease. Logging and settlement also reduced the bear s habitat and numbers. In 1930, people began to protect the bear and limit hunting. Today, wildlife biologists study bear populations and their habitat. Management plans are developed to ensure that nuisance bears are relocated and that population levels remain healthy.
Black bears have a round and short body with sturdy legs.
Their rounded shape comes from a thick layer of fat under the skin and the dense, coarse hair. Their fur is usually glossy black except for a tan patch across the nose. About 25 percent of Wisconsin s bears have irregular white markings on their chests. They walk on the soles of their feet, the same as people, and have five toes with non-retractable claws. Claws come in handy for hunting, climbing trees and tearing open logs in search of insects.