DNR Urges Beltrami County Residents to Secure Food as Bears Emerge

A bear emerging from six months of hibernation can smell a bird feeder from more than a mile away, and the Minnesota DNR is warning that one unsecured food source can keep that bear in a Beltrami County neighborhood all season.

DNR Bear Project Leader Andrew Tri and Wildlife Damage Program Supervisor Eric Nelson are urging cabin and homeowners to act now. The DNR advises pulling bird feeders between April 1 and November 15; any feeders left up must hang at least 10 feet high and 4 feet out from the nearest tree.

"Bird feeders can become bear feeders," Tri said. "Birdseed and grains are very attractive to bears looking for a quick, high-calorie meal. Prevention is key. Once a bear finds a food source, it will likely return."

"To avoid season-long problems, take the time now to remove or secure anything that could attract a bear," added Eric Nelson.

Standard coolers are not bear-proof; use lockable bear-resistant containers instead. Garbage, recycling, grills, pet food, and compost should be secured or stored inside. The DNR does not relocate problem bears, because relocation doesn't address the underlying cause: food left accessible by people.

Beltrami County sits at the heart of Minnesota's bear range, which has expanded from the Beltrami Island State Forest west past the Pembima Ridge to the Red River Valley since the mid-1990s. Minnesota's black bear population stands at roughly 17,000.

Sightings can be reported at dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/bear/bear-sightings.html or by calling 888-646-6367.