(KNSI) – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office warns residents about increased black bear sightings.
The sheriff’s office says they are becoming more common in the area. Residents in Benton County have reported around 15 sightings this year, with months left before hibernation season in late September or October. Stearns County has 19 reported sightings, and Sherburne County residents have reported 44 black bears around the area.
Experts say as the population expands, conflicts with people will inevitably occur. Officials say, in general, black bears are cautious animals and avoid people. But that can change if people consistently provide a food source for them.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resouces says the best way to avoid conflicts with bears is to deny them a free lunch. That means securing any potential food sources like bird feeders or garbage cans.
The DNR has more advice for dealing with problem bears, which can be found here.
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