As the temperatures have plummeted and snow has covered much of the state in January, most bears have found a cozy den until warmer weather arrives.

This natural behavior allows them to endure periods of scarce food availability. While bears’ denning habits vary depending on location, weather, and food resources, most have now found a cozy spot to rest through the winter.

Where Do Bears Den?

Black bears in Virginia are resourceful when it comes to finding winter dens. Their chosen locations include:

• Brush piles and debris mounds
• Tree cavities and hollow logs
• Rock outcroppings
• Ground nests
• Under porches or in unsecured crawl spaces

Not all black bears den for the entire winter season. Typically, females giving birth or caring for young cubs will stay in a den for longer periods, while males may come and go depending on weather conditions and food availability.

How to Avoid Disturbing a Bear Den

With many outdoor activities still in full swing, including hiking, firewood collection, and small game hunting, there’s a chance you might stumble upon a bear den. Here are a few ways to minimize disturbance:

• Avoid dense brushy areas or young cutover timber stands where bears may be hidden.
• Keep dogs on a leash to prevent them from encountering a bear near its den.
• Check brush piles before burning to ensure they aren’t being used as shelter.
• Look for signs of bear activity, such as fresh dirt, large holes, or entry trails into debris piles.
• Secure crawl spaces and porches before December 1 each year to prevent a bear from denning under a home.

What to Do If You Discover a Bear Den

If you happen upon a bear den, follow these steps to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the bear:

• Do not approach or disturb the area. If the den is on public land, notify park or wildlife officials.
• If a female bear leaves the den, immediately back away and leave the area. Do not attempt to check inside.
• Mark the location using GPS or flagging a nearby area, then leave without returning.
• If you have a dog, leash it immediately and leave the area promptly.
• Report the location to the Virginia Wildlife Helpline at 1-855-571-9003.

Female bears that are startled from their dens often return once they feel safe, typically at night. However, repeated disturbances may cause them to abandon the den permanently, which could be harmful to their cubs.

Bears are an important part of Virginia’s ecosystem, and ensuring they remain undisturbed during the winter months is essential for their survival. If you think you’ve found a bear den, the best course of action is to leave it alone and report it if necessary. By doing so, you’re helping to keep Virginia’s black bears safe and thriving in their natural habitat.

Jen Bailey

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