The Minnesota DNR is asking that bear hunters leave the radio-collared bears alone.
The DNR monitors about 40 bears by this method according to DNR bear research biologist Dave Garshelis. Most are in the area of the Chippewa National Forest, my area which is the Camp Ripley Military Reservation and near Voyageurs National Park.
However the bears may travel 50 or more miles from their territory, during the fall season.
The bears after being trapped are fitted with GPS radio collars, which collect and store location data that will be downloaded when they are visited in their winter dens.
"I hope hunters 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," said Garshelis.
photo by ahlsgett
Welcome from the Brainerd Lakes - where outdoor and indoor recreational opportunites abound. Looking to buy on one of our many lakes? Ready to move up or down? Having trouble selling your home? Falling behind on payments or already in the foreclosure process? I am a Certified Short Sale Specialist as well as a Home Staging Expert.
Call me!
I personally wouldn't want to be close enough to a bear to see if it has a radio collar on or not. I've been that close and I don't want to be that close again!