Voyageurs National Park authorities and many Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are reporting bear traffic in some campsites and rural yards. That may be because the region’s drought delayed or even damaged berry and mast crops.
As usual, there have been no major issues, with bears almost always avoiding people. But authorities remind people to keep their campsite clean and free from any food or food-like odors. If your site doesn’t have a vehicle or metal bear locker to keep food in, hang it in a tree at least 10 feet above ground and four feet from the trunk. Don’t keep any food or food odors in your tent.
At homes or cabins, make sure garbage cans, dog food and bird seed are stored inside a garage or other secure building. If bears can’t find food right now they will quickly move on.
