They are asking hunters and trappers to keep an eye out.
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN -- State wildlife officials want hunters and trappers in the Lower Peninsula to let them know if they come across black bears in dens this winter.
The Department of Natural Resources says it's trying to learn more about the movements and habitat of Michigan's bears, which are showing up more frequently in the southern part of the state.
The DNR fits a number of female bears in the northern Lower Peninsula with radio tracking collars every year. After locating a denned bear, biologists determine whether it's a good candidate.
The bear is sedated while getting the collar, then returned to the den to sleep the rest of winter.