Cook County residents advised to secure attractants amid increase in bear activity

As winter nears, Cook County residents and the northern region’s four-legged wildlife are busy getting ready for the long winter months ahead.

One particularly burly northern neighbor has been making their presence known and enjoying a fall buffet of backyard apples, bird feeders, and easily accessible trash bins.

In recent weeks, sightings and reports of nuisance black bears have been prevalent among Cook County residents. Individuals who WTIP spoke with shared sightings of bears searching for food in their front or back yard, from across the county, including the Arrowhead Trail, County Road 7, Pine Mountain Rd, and the Gunflint Trail.

Black bear running across backyard near County Road 7 | Photo by Kristin Engelmann

Multiple northeast Minnesota conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have received nuisance bear reports, primarily stemming from easily accessible food sources and attractants near homes or businesses.

“Nuisance bears continue to persist in the area,” DNR Conservation Officer Hudson Ledeen wrote in his Oct. 13 weekly report. “Folks should try to keep all food sources and attractants stored in a way that won’t entice bears to the homes.” Hudson covers Hovland and the east end of Cook County.

In the Grand Marais area and farther to the west, Conservation Officers Tom Wahlstrom and Trent Anderson have also recently responded to nuisance bear calls. Anderson wrote in his weekly report, “Nuisance-bear complaints are ongoing.”

As bears prepare for hibernation and pack on the winter weight, they will consume anywhere between 12,000 and 25,000 calories per day. WTIP recently spoke with Andrew Tri, the DNR’s bear project lead, who said that during this time of increased bear activity, it is essential for homeowners to secure any attractants surrounding their home.

In addition to removing seeds from bird feeders, homeowners can reduce nuisance bears by cleaning and storing grills, not leaving trash or trash bins outside for long periods, and alerting neighbors to bear sightings. Find more information about being bear aware at bearwise.org.

Kalli Hawkins October 16, 2025