Surveys and Reports Harvest and Biological

Wildlife Commission biological staff can assess the status of the bear population through various monitoring indices derived from harvest, non-harvest mortality, scent stations, nuisance activity, and bear observations. This information, collected over along time period, allow us to monitor population age structure and reproductive parameters of the bear population. This data also helps NCWRC to estimate population levels.  The information derived from these monitoring activities help NCWRC track trends in the bear population and provides for science-based decision making and biologically-sound management principles.

Black Bear Harvest Reports

*LIVE Current Season Report Harvest Totals*

Reports on the surveys:

• 2012-2022 Black Bear Management Plan
• Annual Bear Report
• History of Bears in North Carolina
• Survey of Bear Hunters in North Carolina
  • Full Report (70 pages)
• Survey of North Carolina Residents about Bears
  • Full Report (118 pages)
• Hunter Observation Survey Results 2014-2022