Increased reports of black bear sightings across southern Minnesota

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]There has been an increase in reported blackbear sightings across southern Minnesota as of late worrying residents and homeowners who are coming into contact with them. KEYC News 3's Griffin McCrovic spoke with a bear biologist from the Minnesota DNR to learn more about these sightings. So, Griffin, what did he tell you? Yeah, Ryan, you know, believe it or not, these blackbears are actually resident bears here in southern Minnesota and living across northeast Iowa as well as western Wisconsin. But, don't worry because according to the DNR, they estimate that there are less than 100 blackbears living in this area.

[00:00:30]They say one reason we're seeing them more often is because following the winter, most young male cubs have been kicked out of their dens by mama bear and are now searching for a new place to call home.

[00:00:39]Let's take a look at some of these bears now. This one here is in Dodge County and not only did it make an appearance in the town of West Concord, but it was almost close enough to touch as it strolled through this family's backyard.

[00:00:49]And 20 mi away in Owatonna, a blackbear was spotted digging into someone's grill looking for his lunch. In Faribault, a woman took pictures of a bear leisurely walking across a field on the edge of town. Now, again, these bears are likely searching for a new home before the winter rolls back around, but they may also be getting used to eating food left out by humans. So, I spoke with Andrew Tree Try, a bear research specialist for the Minnesota DNR, who explained what to do if you come into direct contact with a blackbear.

[00:01:17]Blackbears aren't inherently dangerous, but they are large animals and they can hurt you if they choose to. It's just that they're scaredy-cats, you know. Uh if you run into a bear, 99.9% of the time, if you make yourself big, stand your ground, make lots of noise, um they're going to flee. Um the only time that gets a little goofy is when uh bears become habituated to people and so um over time as bears get these food rewards, they're super smart like our dogs. And so, [snorts] they get trained that people equal food and sometimes they get a little bit closer than we would expect.

[00:01:52]Now, after you spotted a a blackbear and if it's safe, make sure to report it on the Minnesota DNR's website. And if you're seeing them regularly and they're causing a nuisance, make sure to contact your local wildlife manager. I'll have links to all that on our website kimt.com. Ryan.

[00:02:08]All right, Griffin Griffin, thank you very much for that information. And remember as well, if it is black, fight back. If it is brown, lay down. That's some good advice there.