2025 Black Bear Observation Survey

Thank you for your interest in participating in the DWR black bear observational survey! This survey will assist with monitoring bear populations, especially in areas where mange is present. More information on black bear mange can be found: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/black-bear/

Please see below for survey instructions. For more information or questions you can contact: Katie Martin, Deer-Bear-Turkey Biologist: (Katie.martin@dwr.virginia.gov) or Carl Tugend Bear Project Lead (Carl.tugend@dwr.virginia.gov).

Survey Instructions:

  1. Survey time period year round.
  2. Record all observations of bears that you see, except for bears that are seen while hunting or chasing during a training season. Observations during hunting or training seasons should be recorded on the Black Bear Hunter Log.
  3. Record the date and county in which the observation was made along with the number of bears for each category (see attached datasheet for categories).
  4. Try to avoid recording duplicate sightings (for example, if you see the same 3 bears in your yard every day please only record those once).
  5. Record each unique observation on a separate data line
    1. Example: At 10am on 7/2/2025 you see a sow with 3 cubs in Augusta County. Record this all on one data line. At 1PM you see a single bear in Augusta County. Thisobservation would be recorded on a separate line from your first observation at 10AM.
  6. If any reported bears show signs of mange, please also report those observations to the Wildlife Conflict Helpline either by phone (1-855-571-9003) or email (vawildlifeconflict@usda.gov) for tracking purposes. Photographs of the affected animals are extremely helpful in determining mange severity and response needs.
  7. Please submit all completed surveys back to Katie Martin by October 31'1 2025 through the following methods:
    1. Scan and email to Carl Tugend (carl.tugend@dwr.virginia.gov)
    2. Mail surveys to Carl Tugend at 517 Lee HWY Po Box 996, Verona, VA 24482
  8. Only record observations from Virginia.
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