Minnesota DNR conservation officers' reports

Reports filed Monday from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers in the region.

Dan Thomasen (Two Harbors) reports that bear complaints have been coming in steadily to both the wildlife and enforcement divisions. Home and cabin owners should be reminded that bears follow their stomachs and if bird seed, garbage or even picnic baskets are left where a bear can access it, you will potentially have bear problems. Removing all food items or attractants will minimize human/bear interaction.

North

John Velsvaag (Ely) checked anglers and boaters this past week. Saw a few nice fish on a couple of local lakes. Received an ATV complaint in Ely and a call about a nuisance coyote.

Marty Stage (Ely) worked angling and ATV enforcement. Spent time on area lakes. A reminder that navigational lights are required on watercraft in the dark.

North Shore

Darin Fagerman (Grand Marais) was called out to another part of the state as part of the wild land arson team. Enforcement action was taken for burning violations, fishing law violations and invasive species laws. Nuisance bear problems are starting to build. One bear ate a 25-pound bag of wood smoking pellets, so they are getting hungry. A couple of people went out of their way to run over nesting turtles on the side back roads.

Mary Manning (Hovland) worked boat accesses checking anglers and boaters and enforcing new AIS laws. Participated in a work detail at the U.S. Port of Entry at Pigeon River checking anglers importing fish and educating boaters on AIS regulations. Took a report of nuisance bears at a campground and one nuisance bear that tried to enter a home through the front door and was lawfully killed by the homeowner, who reported the shooting well within the 48 hours he was required to do so.

Thomas Wahlstrom (Tofte) worked a detail with area officers and three K-9 officers at the Pigeon River port of entry. Over limits, AIS and transportation of fish were common violations. Followed up on a deer case which resulted in seized equipment. Attended a meeting in Grand Marais and offered advice to several people that called with bears on their property.

Lake Superior

Keith Olson (Marine Unit) checked anglers and boaters on Lake Superior and worked on watercraft maintenance. Boaters at area access were checked for aquatic invasive species compliance. The warm summer weather had many out enjoying the water. Met with Coast Guard personnel for planning on upcoming summer events in the Duluth Harbor. Bear complaints are on the increase in Duluth.

Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit) checked boaters and anglers on Lake Superior. Some nice salmon are starting to show up near Duluth. Maybe numbers will prevail through the summer. ATV complaints were received, and problem areas checked. Watercraft maintenance issues were handled. Reports turned into county attorney’s office for charges. Enforcement action was taken for boating and angling violations.

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