Latest news with #ThreeRiversParkDistrict
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
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.
