Latest news with #BearWise
CBS News
6 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Bears spotted in Minnesota suburbs, DNR shares tips
Bear warnings are popping up at a popular park in the West Metro and across the state. The DNR says sightings increase this time of year. At Elm Creek Park Reserve, there's about 5,000 acres of forest and trails. "It's also not far from the rivers, which the bears use as a travel corridor," said Andrew Tri, the Bear Project Leader for the Minnesota DNR. Tri says bears aren't only up north, they're in the burbs. "We've had bear sightings in Saint Louis Park, Purgatory Creek in Eden Prairie, in Washington County there's tons of bear sightings," said Tri. "And then even over in Afton and Rochester." Three Rivers Park District says a group of the state's 14,000 - 18,000 cubs were recently spotted at Elm Creek Park Reserve. New signage warns park goers like Dillon Dryja who walks his pups daily. WCCO "It doesn't worry me at all. Black bears are usually docile," said Dryja. "I'm perfectly find with black bears sharing nature with us here in Minnesota." "We're more inter-city than most," said Jos Moss, who was enjoying the park with his family. "So it's a little shocking more than being where we're from up in Elk River." The Three Rivers Park District says that bears have been spotted in Elm Creek since 2020. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, who keeps track of these sightings across the state, partners with national organization BearWise — who both have tips: Never feed or approach bears Making noise when you're out and about Hike in groups Keep your dogs on a leash Secure your trash and recycling (in a locked building or shed) Take your bird feeders down when bears are active Never leave pet food outdoors Clean and store grills Alert neighbors to bear activity Three Rivers Park District told WCCO in statement: "The resident bears at Elm Creek Park Reserve, spend the vast majority of their time in the portions of the park that are off-limits to people, and, should you encounter one, you have no need to fear. Bears are not a threat to people if they don't feel threatened. If you leave the bear alone, it will leave you alone. Most bear sightings that are reported in the park are of the bear running away." Per the DNR, black bears are the only bears in Minnesota. For more information and to report a sighting, click here.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NC Wildlife Resources Commission offers tips to protect livestock from bears
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides guidance to livestock owners on methods to protect their animals from becoming prey to black bears. Black bears tend to consume a mostly plant-based diet and are attracted to livestock feed, such as grains and corn. However, they are omnivores and opportunists and will feed on eggs, small livestock (such as chickens and rabbits) and larger animals (including goats, miniature ponies and alpacas). Raising livestock of any species in bear country requires BearWise® husbandry practices, even for small-scale, backyard operations. 'It's one of the most common calls about bears that we get and it's also one of the most preventable,' NCWRC BearWise Coordinator Ashley Hobbs said. 'Especially in the summer and fall months, I respond to many calls from the public reporting their goat herd or chicken flock have been completely wiped out by a bear. Unprotected coops and pens provide accessible food all in one convenient spot.' BearWise is an Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies program dedicated to helping people live responsibly with bears. It offers information and instruction on protecting chickens and helpful information for livestock owners and beekeepers. Proper husbandry practices are key to coexistence, and BearWise recommends the following proactive measures: Always store livestock feed and pet food away from the animals in a locked, bear-resistant shed or building, or in a bear-resistant container. Place livestock pens and bee hives at least 50 yards away from wooded areas and other cover that could protect bears from view. Confine livestock in buildings and pens, especially during lambing or calving seasons. Consider bringing livestock, particularly smaller animals, inside at night. Remove carcasses from the site and dispose of them by rendering or deep burial. Install electric fencing or own a guard animal. To learn more about safely raising livestock in bear country, please visit and contact NCWRC's Wildlife Helpline for assistance at 866-318-2401, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Minden Hills residents are being advised of recent bear sightings
Residents of Minden Hills are being advised of recent bear sightings reported near residential areas. Local authorities have been notified, and the Township is reminding the public of safety procedures in the event of a bear encounter. If you spot a bear, especially one rummaging through a garbage or wandering near a home, it is important to report the sighting. Non-emergency sightings should be directed to the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327. However, if a bear is acting aggressively or poses an immediate threat to personal safety, the town asks you to call 911. In line with safety advice from Parks Canada, avoiding an encounter is always the best approach. Here are a few things to remember if you encounter a black bear: Make noise as you move through wooded areas, particularly near streams, berry patches, or in dense vegetation. Clap your hands, sing, or talk loudly. Watch for signs such as tracks, droppings, or overturned logs. If signs are fresh, leave the area immediately. Keep pets on a leash. Dogs can provoke aggressive behaviour in bears and should not be brought into bear-prone backcountry areas. Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave. Not every bear sighting is an emergency situation. Bears are smart, curious, powerful and potentially dangerous, according to the Government of Ontario. If you are a hiker, cyclist, jogger, berry picker or you plan to spend some time outdoors, alert bears to your presence so they can avoid you.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Bears spotted again at Maple Grove park
The Brief A mother bear and her cubs have been spotted again in Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Sightings have become more common at the park in recent years. Experts say to never feed or approach bears in the wild. MAPLE GROVE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Over the 4,900 acres of Elm Creek Park Reserve, it's common to see a variety of wildlife, like birds and deer. But in recent years, some furrier and more ferocious fauna have moved in. What we know The Three Rivers Park District says a mother bear with a fresh batch of cubs has been seen at the reserve this spring. This comes after a FOX 9 viewer spotted this family of four strolling in the park back in 2023. What they're saying "You don't expect to see (them), but apparently they do live here," said Maple Grove mother Sofía Smedsrud. "When come here with my kids, I just make sure we are we wouldn't want to come upon a bear and her cubs and spook them. We love coming here and we are just cautious," continued Smedsrud. And that's exactly what you should be doing, according to the experts at Bear Wise. What you can do Never approach or feed bears, and secure your garbage, bird feeders and grills. If you do come upon a bear in the woods, never run away, just slowly back up and wait for the bear to leave. Keep your kids close and dogs on a leash, too. If you see a bear in a Three Rivers park, please report the sighting to their wildlife department by calling 763-694-7840 or emailing wildlife@ You can also report the sighting to the Minnesota DNR.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bears in Alabama? They're few, protected, and tracked with your help. Here's what to know
The death of a Florida man on May 5 in Florida's first recorded fatal bear attack is shining a spotlight on bear safety concerns across the southeast, including Alabama. Robert Markel, an 89-year-old, and his dog were killed in the attack. The bear has been identified and was shot. Florida officials say that a post-mortem examination of the bear led to officials finding partial remains of Markel in the bear's body. Alabama's black bear population remains small but steady, with fewer than 500 individuals estimated to roam the state's forests and swamps. These secretive animals are rarely seen in the dense woodlands of north Alabama or the more remote areas. Wildlife officials rely more than ever on public sightings to keep tabs on this elusive species. Here's what we know about their numbers, where they live and how you can help track them. According to Alabama wildlife officials, fewer than 500 black bears live in Alabama. About 250 roam the northern part of the state, 150 are in the south, and a few more are scattered elsewhere. As bear populations grow in nearby states, some are crossing into Alabama and could be settling in permanently. There is no traditional large-scale tagging system for the bears of Alabama. Still, officials encourage the public to report bear sightings to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' black bear observation site. According to the Outdoor Alabama website, the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division is collaborating with Auburn University to use data collected to track their population size, density, demographics and more to help with management practices of the state's bears. To report a sighting, you'll first enter your name, address and contact information. On the next screen, you'll describe what you saw: a bear, tracks, fur or something else. You can also upload photos, send out the GPS coordinates and give directions to where the sighting happened. The system is constantly updated as new sightings come in from the public, helping officials track Alabama's bear population in real time. Black bears in Alabama are protected by law, though they aren't considered endangered. Because of their protected status, there's no open hunting season. While seeing a bear might feel alarming, actual conflicts, like damage to a person or property, are uncommon. To help keep it that way, wildlife officials encourage residents to follow BearWise, a program that teaches people how to live responsibly where bears can be present. This includes tips like securing trash, removing bird feeders, never feeding bears and so on. Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@ This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Are there bears in Alabama? Few, but your sighting helps track them
