Black bear sightings on the rise in Twin Cities suburbs, DNR says
Bear warnings are popping up at a popular park in the west Twin Cities metro area and across Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says sightings increase this time of year. At Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, 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 DNR's Bear Project leader.
Tri says bears aren't only up north — they're in the burbs.
"We've had bear sightings in St. 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.
"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 DNR keeps track of these sightings across the state, partnering with national organization BearWise. Here are their safety 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.