'Fresh batch' of bear cubs residing in Maple Grove park reserve, officials say
A mother bear and three young cubs have been spotted this spring in Maple Grove's Elm Creek Park Reserve.
A small, resident population of black bears in the 4,900-acre park reserve has been documented since at least 2020.
"Park guests, volunteers, staff, and nearby neighbors have continued to show incredible support to the resident bears at Elm Creek Park Reserve," Three Rivers Park District Natural Resource Management, which manages the land, shared on Facebook. "It appears there is again a new fresh batch of cubs with mother bear."
According to a post from the Eastman Nature Center, which is a part of the reserve, officials are unsure how many bears reside in the property's sprawling forest because the bears' movements aren't being tracked with collars or other methods.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does not relocate bears considered to be in their home range, which includes the Twin Cities.
The Three Rivers Park District is urging park-goers to help keep the bears "wild and safe" by learning to live responsibility alongside them in urban areas.
Anyone who encounters the bear cubs without an adult bear present should not touch them, officials say.
According to Three Rivers, cubs that are alone aren't usually abandoned or orphaned. More likely, the mother bear has gone searching for food.
"If you believe they are truly orphaned, take a quick photo of the cubs that shows the location (no selfies, please), note GPS coordinates if you can, and LEAVE THE AREA," Three Rivers advises, adding the next step would be to contact the DNR for further guidance.
The recent sightings in Elm Creek Park District serve as a reminder for Minnesotans to be "bear aware."
That includes never feeding or approaching bears and keeping all food, garbage and recycling secured.
Nearby residents are also urged to keep pet food indoors, clean and store grills and smokers, remove bird feeders and leash and maintain control of dogs.
More information on bear sightings in Minnesota can be found on the DNR's website here.
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