What is sarcoptic mange? How does it impact black bears?
Black bears with hair loss and thickened skin have become an increasingly common sight across Virginia. These symptoms are often caused by sarcoptic mange, a contagious skin disease that has been spreading through black bear populations in the Appalachian region over the past decade. As reports increase, many people have questions: What causes mange? What should I do if I see a bear with mange? Can it spread to pets or people?
Below, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about black bear mange. For additional background information, please visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.
Bear Mange FAQs:
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What is causing black bears to get mange?
Sarcoptic mange is caused by a microscopic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the skin, causing hair loss, skin thickening, and intense irritation. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and spreads primarily through direct contact between animals or through contaminated environments such as dens or bedding sites.
Where did bear mange come from in Virginia?
The first documented case of sarcoptic mange in a Virginia bear occurred in 2004 in a single individual in Rockingham County. This was the only known case until it was found in Frederick County in 2014. Since then, reports have increased from just a few per year to hundreds annually. The current outbreak is thought to have originated from Pennsylvania, where mange emerged in bears in the 1990s, and has since spread southward along the Appalachian Mountains and into the Piedmont region. At the same time and over a much larger area, sarcoptic mange has been frequently reported in foxes, coyotes, and other mammals, but whether transmission has occurred between the species is unknown.
There is a bear showing signs of mange in my neighborhood. What should I do?
If you see a bear showing potential signs of mange, please submit a photo or video along with the exact location (GPS coordinates if possible) to the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline:
Email: vawildlifeconflict@usda.gov
Phone: 1-855-571-9003
These reports help wildlife managers track the spread of mange and respond appropriately.
Why is it important to report mange?
Citizen reports help wildlife managers understand where mange is occurring, how quickly it is spreading, and where management actions need to be taken (e.g., changing bear hunting seasons). For researchers, these reports also provide valuable data for estimating:
Mange prevalence (the percentage of bears affected in an area)
Potential force of infection (how likely healthy bears are to become infected over time)
These data improve our ability to model the long-term population-level impacts of mange on black bears. Individual reports meaningfully contribute to this effort.
Can people get mange from bears?
Transmission to humans is possible but unlikely without direct contact. In humans, sarcoptic mange is called scabies. While wildlife and human scabies mites are closely related, they are not identical. In rare cases, people may develop temporary skin irritation (sometimes called pseudoscabies) after close contact with a mange-infested animal. Both scabies and pseudoscabies are generally treatable. If you believe you have been exposed, please contact your healthcare provider.
Can dogs get mange from bears?
Yes, there is a possibility that dogs can get sarcoptic mange after contact with affected bears or contaminated environments (such as den sites or bedding areas). Sarcoptic mange is generally treatable in dogs. If you suspect exposure, please contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Do bears die from mange? Can they recover on their own?
Mange itself is a skin disease that in some cases can cause direct mortality. However, severe infestations can lead to emaciation, secondary infections, and increased vulnerability to other stressors, which may result in death. Not all bears with mange die. A study in Pennsylvania found that approximately 74% of infected bears recovered without treatment. Our current research aims to estimate survival and recovery rates in Virginia, where mange has been present for a shorter period of time. Results are still ongoing.
Is mange treatable? Can I treat a bear in my yard?
Although mange is treatable in domestic animals, treating mange in wild bears is challenging because of the following reasons:
Effective treatment usually requires multiple doses
Delivering consistent treatment to free-ranging wildlife is impractical
Evidence suggests treatment does not significantly improve long-term recovery compared to no treatment in black bears
In some cases, treated bears have been reinfested or experienced worse outcomes after release. For these reasons, intervention is not recommended and may reduce animal welfare over time.
Please find more information about treatment on the DWR website: Can Mange in Bears be Treated?
This website represents a collaborative effort between Virginia Tech researchers and DWR managers. While this page is written from a research perspective, guidance on wildlife reporting, handling, and management actions is provided by DWR. When in doubt, DWR remains the appropriate authority for wildlife-related concerns.
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