Biologists in Virginia recently completed a six-year study to help manage the state’s black bear population thanks to support from Wildlife Forever. Biologists trapped black bears in northwestern and southwestern Virginia. The bears were outfitted with radio transmitters, which enabled biologists to monitor travel patterns and preferred habitat types. By examining bear scat in these regions, they were able to determine preferred food sources. Researchers were also able to find winter den sites. At the dens, biologists gathered data on birth rates, litter sizes and cub survival. At least 50 bears in each of the two regions of Virginia were studied. This data is helping biologists utilize both managed hunting seasons and habitat management to stabilize Virginia’s black bear population.