This is the fourth confirmed cougar in Wisconsin in 2019, the DNR said. An abundant population and suitable bear habitat have facilitated the southerly movement of occupied bear range in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's black bear population is considerably higher than it was 30 years ago. The most recent data indicates the bear population is currently estimated to be just under 29,000 bears. Other recent sightings have been on the Red Cliff Reservation in Bayfield County and near Land O’Lakes in … The range of bears in Wisconsin is expanding along with the animal's population, the DNR says. In 2019 wildlife biologists in Wisconsin began conducting a new research technique for estimating the bear population, which helps develop guidelines that will ensure a prosperous future for the species. Sightings of female bears are even less common in southern Wisconsin. FOX VALLEY (WLUK) -- Three different Fox Valley communities are reporting sightings of bears this week. This spring has marked the beginning of a new era in how the DNR thinks of black bears in southern Wisconsin. Wisconsin's bear population was estimated to be about 9,000 bears in 1989. "This time of year is the time we expect that to happen as this is the time when especially young males are on the move," he said. The increase in bear sightings in the southern part of the state is a relatively new happening over the last few years, but it's becoming more common, said David MacFarland, a carnivore specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. If you have bear troubles and are in need of assistance, please call the USDA Wildlife Services 24-hour hotline at 1-800-433-0663. With multiple bear sightings coming to the agency every day, including numerous reports of sows with cubs, DNR wildlife experts now believe southern Wisconsin is home to its own population of black bears for the first time since the late 1800s. To report bear sightings, please call Bill Ishmael at 608-935-1918 or by e-mail at William.Ishmael@wisconsin.gov or Sauk County Wildlife Biologist, Nancy Frost at 608-225-7362 or by e-mail at Nancy.Frost@wisconsin.gov. But a female black bear and her cubs have been reported near Leland, Matthews said.