Increase in Nuisance Bears Throughout Lakes Area

WALKER (KDLM) – An increase in nuisance bear complaints throughout the Lakes Area has prompted the Sheriff’s Department to remind residents and vacationers how to properly deal with bears.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says most bear complaints are simple sightings or bears that won’t leave a yard, driveway or tree, but occasionally they receive complaints of bears causing property damages to structures, vehicles, landscape and/or crops as well as bears entering a residence through screen or patio type doors and causing damages before leaving.

The Sheriff’s Office says property owners should remove the source or reason a bear is continuing to return to the property or area. Common attractants include birdseed, garbage, livestock feed, or compost.

The MN DNR does allow for nuisance bears to be killed by property owners. This option can only be used if the bear is causing significant property damage or creating an immediate danger to people or animals. After a bear is killed, a DNR Conservation officer should be notified.