black bear

Shining a Flashlight into a Cave can be Well, Terrifying

When you see a black bear during hibernation season, what do you do?

Out of northern Wisconsin, a video emerged of someone shining a light into a small innocuous cave only to see something looking back at him — a massive black bear!

While the bear appears to be hibernating during the harsh winter months, the photographer, who goes by the handle DS Outdoors, explained that it was filmed in Forest County, Wisconsin, as part of a research project for the state Department of Natural Resources.

In the caption for the longer video, which was published on social media in February, DS Outdoors says he was helping track and study the black bear population. The video shows researchers collecting and tagging the mama bear and her cubs.

According to the North American Bear Center, black bears will hibernate for approximately six or seven months, beginning in September or October and ending around April.

And, in each comment, he adds that, "All animals are handled with care under proper protocols and permits by wildlife professionals for research and management purposes."