WAUSAU, Wis (WSAU) Three black bears -- a mother and her two cubs -- were spotted in Wausau yesterday. They were seen near 6th Street in a man's backyard. At one point the climbed up some trees and stayed there for several hours.

Unless the bears become aggressive, the D-N-R has no plans to intervene. They say usually the bears wander back into the woods on their own. Bears usually avoid contact with humans unless they're threatened or provoked.

Bears are extra hungry this time of year. They're eating as they prepare for winter hibernation.

Wisconsin's bear population is estimated at 26-thousand.