Per the Black Bear Management Plan, we are continually looking at ways to improve our bear population monitoring data. This observational survey will aid in that effort with your participation. Please note that location data is requested and will be used solely for the purposes of population monitoring. Observational data from this survey coupled with current data sources (harvest, mange reports, vehicle collisions, camera surveys) will continue to strengthen our population monitoring methods.
If you are interested in assisting in this effort, please fill out the survey form and after the hunting season you can either email it to Carl.Tugend@dwr.virginia.gov or mail it in to the following address.
Download Survey FormVirginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Attn. Carl Tugend
517 Lee Hwy, PO Box 996
Verona, VA 24482
In addition to this survey if you are also interested in taking samples from a bear you harvest during the season please reach out to Carl.Tugend@dwr.virginia.gov or Katie.Martin@dwr.virginia.gov prior to the opening of archery season and we will coordinate getting you a sample kit along with sampling procedures. Samples are being banked for genetic analysis of bear populations across the state to assist in better understanding population and disease dynamics. If you have any additional questions don’t hesitate to reach out to our bear project leaders Carl Tugend or Katie Martin at the email addresses above.