8/15/2007

DNR asks bear hunters not to shoot radio-collared bears

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking bear hunters not to shoot radio-collared bears.

The DNR is currently monitoring about 40 radio-collared bears, according to DNR bear research biologist Dave Garshelis. Most reside in the area of the Chippewa National Forest, Camp Ripley Military Reservation, and near Voyageurs National Park. However, Garshelis indicated that during the fall, bears may travel 50 or more miles from their normal area.

Especially important to these research efforts are newly collared bears in northwestern Minnesota. After two and a one-half months of intensive trapping this summer, mainly around Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area and Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Garshelis and a University of Minnesota graduate student were able to catch 16 bears.

"Most of these were fitted with GPS radio collars, which collect and store location data that will be downloaded when we visit the bears in their winter dens," said Garshelis. "I hope hunters in this area can find other bears to harvest, as we've invested a lot of time and expense in these individuals. The data in their collars is extremely valuable in monitoring the dynamics of our bear population."

The study in northwestern Minnesota is aimed at understanding how bears use the small patches of forest at the fringe of the bear range.

Most research bears have blaze orange collars so they will be more visible to hunters. "We recognize, however, that in some situations a bear hunter may not be able to see a radio-collar before making the shot," said Lou Cornicelli, Big Game Program coordinator. "Taking a radio-collared bear is legal unless it is accompanied by a researcher, but we are asking hunters to try to cooperate with research efforts and avoid shooting them whenever possible." Hunters who shoot a collared bear are asked call the Minnesota DNR Wildlife Research Office in Grand Rapids at (218) 327-4146. The bear season opens on Sept. 1.