DNR urges caution after bear incidents near Ely

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is urging people to be careful after recent reports of aggressive behavior by black bears in the Ely area.

The DNR says some reports involve collared bears that are part of research being conducted by biologist Lynn Rogers.
A collared bear at Bear Head Lake State Park reportedly has approached occupied vehicles and put its front paws on vehicles. Another report involves a collared bear within three feet of a 2-year-old child near the open door of a vehicle. The child's mother scared off the bear with a wheelbarrow.

Rogers disputes that the collared bears are aggressive.

Cook County Sheriff Mark Falk said his office has received no reports of aggressive bears. He cautioned, however that they are starting to forage for winter, and the bear hunting season opens this week.