'Armed bear' report certainly unusual for responding officers in northern Minnesota

A DNR conservation officer said they were able to find the pack, including the undamaged firearm, in about 45 minutes

Jul 15, 20210

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Severe drought in May and June caused a poor wild berry crop across much of Northeastern Minnesota last summer, sending bears searching for other food sources. Wildlife experts say to simply lock up any potential bear food - like garbage, pet food, grills and bird seed - and the bruins will move on. (Clint Austin / 2015 file / News Tribune)

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. - In parts of Minnesota, adventurers are advised to protect their food against bears. On Sunday, July 11, a bear took off with a camper's unattended backpack filled with some snacks at a portage landing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

When U.S. Forest Service law enforcement official Edward Belmore took the report, he learned there was much more to the camper's plea.

The camper's handgun was also in the backpack and a bear - in an odd turn of events - was suddenly "armed."

https://www.dglobe.com/northland-outdoors/7110413-Armed-bear-report-certainly-unusual-for-responding-officers-in-northern-Minnesota