Property Owners Asked to Remove Food Sources as Bears Begin to Emerge from Hibernation

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – With bears emerging from hibernation in the coming weeks, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding homeowners to check their property for food sources that could attract bears.

“Please take the time now to remove or secure anything that could attract a bear,” said Eric Nelson, DNR wildlife damage program supervisor. “Prevention is key. Once a bear finds a food source, it will likely return again.”

As bears emerge from hibernation, their metabolism gradually ramps up and they will begin looking for food at a time when berries and green vegetation are scarce. Home and cabin owners should remove or secure attractants such as birdseed, garbage, livestock feed, or compost to reduce potential conflicts.

Black bears are the only bear species that lives in the wild in Minnesota. Bears are more common in the forested region of northern Minnesota but can live anywhere in the state if they find an area of suitable habitat. They usually are shy and flee when encountered. Never approach or try to pet a bear. Injury to people is rare, but bears are potentially dangerous because of their size, strength and speed.

Last year, a black bear was spotted within the Detroit Lakes city limits as the summer’s drought made it harder for bears to find the food they needed to prepare for hibernation.