LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Representatives of sporting clubs, farmers, hunters and government agencies will meet next month to discuss the future of bear management in Michigan.

The state Department of Natural Resources says Michigan Bear Forum gathering is scheduled for Dec. 17 in St. Ignace.

DNR wildlife management specialist Kevin Swanson says forum members have differing opinions on bear management. Some believe the state has too many bears and others believe there are too few.

The most recent official estimate of the state’s adult bear population is about 12,000.

The number that hunters are allowed to kill has been reduced in recent years because of concerns that the population was dropping too low and habitat was decreasing.

Swanson says bear numbers have rebounded, so it’s time to consider allowing more to be taken.