This winter, DEC wildlife biologists are seeking the public's help to learn about new black bear dens in the North Country and throughout New York.

DEC urges anyone who finds a bear den not to approach or disturb the den, but simply to note the location and move away from the den site.

As part of DEC's ongoing black bear monitoring, wildlife biologists periodically check on black bears during the winter den season. The bears may be fitted with radio collars to help biologists track the bears' activities throughout the year and to locate their dens in subsequent years for monitoring cub production, condition, and survival.

Bears may den in a rock crevice, tree cavity, or under heavy brush or fallen trees. Female bears generally give birth in January or early February, and those who are near a den you may hear the cubs' high-pitched squeals.

New York hikers and hunters cover countless miles of wooded terrain each year.

DEC asks anyone finding a bear den to contact their local DEC wildlife office giving them GPS coordinates if possible.

More information about black bears in New York is available at DEC's Black Bear web page.