BWCA requirements to reduce human-bear encounters to remain in place

The U.S. Forest Service will maintain current requirements for all food, food containers, garbage and scented items to be securely stored to help prevent human-bear interactions in the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness.

The five-year order issued Thursday, Jan. 15, is a continuation of stricter storage rules implemented in 2024. It maintains that these attractants must be suspended at least 12 feet above the ground and at least 6 feet away from the trunk of a tree. Items may also be stored in an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee-certified bear-resistant container.

These restrictions apply after bears emerge from hibernation, between April 1 and Nov. 30. The previous order had restrictions beginning March 1.

The Forest Service first implemented the storage rules in spring 2024. That year, there was a dramatic drop in human-bear interactions in the Boundary Waters, despite interaction numbers being up in much of the state.

In the past, the Forest Service would implement targeted, temporary food storage requirements in response to a flare-up of interactions. But bear encounters were still on the rise between 2021 and 2023.

The agency reported high visitor compliance with the new storage rules. Forest Service staff will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the order.