The Superior National Forest has issued a special warning about problem black bears on several Boundary Waters lakes. Officials say they have received several reports of bears taking or damaging camping gear, particularly food packs.
“We have asked all permit issue stations to highlight proper food storage with EVERY visitor,” the Forest Service said. “It is IMPERATIVE that you are vigilant with food storage — how, when, and where, when traveling in bear country.”
All wilderness visitors are urged to use proper food storage practices in the Boundary Waters. That means either hanging the pack from a tree or using a bear-proof container.
Warning notices abut bears have been posted at several entry points in the area where problems have occurred: Lizz & Swamp Lakes (#47), Meeds Lake (#48), East Bearskin Lake (#64), Daniels Lake (#61), Duncan Lake (#60), Clearwater Lake (#62), South Lake (#58).
The bear trouble is somewhat surprising this year, as an abundant harvest of berries and nuts has provided ample food for bruins, compared to recent years, when drought and wildfires reduced the available food. The bear hunting harvest last year was high, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
In the first couple weeks of this year’s bear hunting season, northeastern Minnesota wildlife managers reported hunters had killed about one-third fewer bears than at the same time last year.
“The reason for that was that bears were hitting bear bait piles placed by hunters. And they were hitting them with force. It was dry in the woods. Bears were hungry,” DNR conservation officer Kylan Hill told WTIP.
More information:
- Food Container Diligence – Bear Notice – Superior National Forest
- Bear registrations drop sharply, as anticipated – Timberjay
- Bountiful berry season will play a factor in upcoming 2022 bear hunting season – WTIP