Is This Minnesota Predator Lurking Under Your Cabin?

It's been cabin close-up season for the last few weeks. Make sure you turn the water off, unplug the appliances, and think like a bear. The Minnesota DNR wants Minnesotans in Central and Northern Minnesota to think like a bear this time of year, as bears are searching for a winter den, and your cabin could be 'just right'.

This is the time of year that black bears are starting to hibernate, as they tend to hibernate between late September into October through March and April of the next year.

According to the Minnesota DNR there are somewhere between 13,000 to 15,000 black bears in Minnesota.

If you ever come across a bear, there are some things you can do to attempt to scare off the bear. 

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The Minnesota DNR states that bears coming up to humans isn't normal so use caution, and follow their tips.

If a bear does approach you:

• Talk to it in a firm voice.
• Back away, and keep watching the bear. Do not turn and run.
• If a bear follows you, act boldly: yell, raise your arms and throw things directly at it.
• The more persistent a bear is, the more aggressive you need to be.
• If you have bear spray, use it.
• If a bear attacks or tries to make contact, fight for your life. Do not play dead. Kick, punch or hit the bear with whatever weapon is available. Concentrate on the face, eyes and nose.