BOUNDARY WATERS — There was a dramatic decline in bear and human interactions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in 2024.
According to a Superior National Forest news release, less than 10 encounters were reported in the wilderness, compared to an average of 40 to 50 reports during the previous four years. This is despite the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reporting record high bear encounters elsewhere in the state.
One notable change last year was the implementation of new food storage requirements in the BWCAW. Visitors are required to hang items in a tree or using approved bear-resistant containers or face possible penalties.
Forest staff reported issuing no violation notices last year and instead focusing on education, with wilderness rangers reporting very good compliance.
But several factors can influence the number of bear and human encounters and forest staff say it is too soon to say how much the food storage order played a part in the decline.
Superior National Forest reported it will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the food storage order and any unintended consequences.
-
Plus: Marble getes funds to install water filters for manganese and iron; ag department accepts comments on socioeconomic impacts of large dairies, and it's a prolific pinecone season. -
Contributed/Hennepin CountyThe court filing comes ahead of a Sept. 23, 2026, sentencing hearing, 18 months after Eichorn’s arrest as part of an undercover law enforcement sting operation. -
Events this week include the return of the classic movie series in Bigfork, Pride in the Park in Brainerd and art receptions in Aitkin and Bemidji. -
Contributed/iNaturalist user ampatentHeidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss detailed observations, the joy of pursuing a snake, and the calming sound of nature names.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe! -
Contributed/J. Stephen Conn via FlickrThe St. Louis County Sheriff's Office responded to the report at 6:19 a.m. Sept. 3, 2026, at the Ash River Visitor Center on Kabetogama Lake. -
Plus: District judges in Crow Wing County request deputy presence at hearings, highway construction project moves forward in Bemidji
-
Emma Krab/KAXEThe Northern Research Station was among several sites slated for closure in March 2026 when the Trump administration announced a major reorganization of the service. -
The Itasca County Sheriff's Office determined the bomb threat at the mine was not credible. Now, they've turned the investigation to the threat itself, which is a felony. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXERight after the back-to-school traffic rush on Sept. 8, 2026, MnDOT crews will implement a detour while rebuilding the north side of the Highway 71 intersection. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEForest Service officials continue to reopen additional sites and recreation areas impacted by wildfire in July 2026.
