If you have bear damage this spring please call the USDA State Wildlife Office. They will get you in touch with the closest USDA Wildlife Specialist.
Wisconsin State Wildlife Office PHONE: 608-837-2727
Members of Bear Advisory Committee:
- James Hillemeyer james.hillemeyer@gmail.com 715-347-4996
- Dan Piechowski hhf32@centurytel.net 920-566-4132
- Nick Thill n.thill@hotmail.com 262-689-1484
- Dan Ziehli danziehli@gmail.com 608-343-0716
There were 13 apiary damage complaints filed with the USDA in 2024. 6 of the complaints were handled by technical assistance from a USDA wildlife specialist. Seven of the complaints were handled by direct control where a trap was set. Of the seven traps that were set only 2 bears were captured and relocated. On average, the nuisance bears are relocated about 30 miles away and released on State forest land.
The best way for WI beekeepers to have a greater impact with the Wisconsin DNR Bear Advisory Committee (WHPA is a stakeholder group engaged with this committee) is to call the USDA Wildlife Service and tell them about the damage that is occurring at your apiaries.
