Black bears are one of Minnesota iconic species. It is the only bear species that inhabits the state today.
Bears live in forests, swamps and other areas with dense cover but will wander into clearings to feed. They are found mainly in the northern third of Minnesota, but range as far south as the interface between the forest and agricultural zones, where they utilize corn and other crops for subsistence.
DNR manages Minnesota's black bear population by providing quality bear habitat, conducting research to increase knowledge of bear biology, educating the public on how to live with bears, assisting people with bear problems and controlling the bear population with hunting seasons.
Bear permit area public input sought
The DNR’s recommended changes would convert portions of permit areas 12 and 46 to the no-quota area. All of area 451 would become part of the no-quota area. Areas are located in portions of Mille Lacs and Morrison counties; portions of Becker and Mahnomen counties; and portions of Clearwater and Pennington counties.
The proposal revises the boundary along portions of the no-quota area, where hunting licenses are not limited.
An additional recommendation includes combining both bear permit area units in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness into one bear permit area to provide consistent regulations.
Webinar
Get an overview of the proposed bear permit area adjustments and information about why changes are necessary. There will be opportunities to ask questions and provide comments.
- 6-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 4
- Password: sD2dUMa3iB9
Webinar number: 249 962 50608
Access code: 73238623
Online questionnaire
Your answers to a questionnaire will help the DNR gauge public support and identify any improvements to the proposals. The DNR will use the feedback to inform changes to bear permit area boundaries prior to the 2025 bear hunting season.
Open through Monday, March 17Answer questions
Written comments
[email protected]
Mail comments to:
Kelly Wilder
Minnesota DNR - Fish and Wildlife
500 Lafayette Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55155-4020
See a bear, report a bear
Minnesota's black bear range has been slowly expanding southward and westward. If you see a bear outside of the animal's normal range, report it to the DNR.
Bear information
- Importance of collared bears
- Minnesota Mammals - Black bear
- Learning to live with bears
- Bear hunting
- Maps and statistics
- Minnesota's Growing Game (Minnesota Conservation Volunteer article)