Be BearWise®. Keep bears wild.
The Minnesota DNR is a proud member of BearWise®, a national program of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. BearWise provides reliable information and useful resources, vetted by bear biologists, that helps people live responsibly with black bears and reduce human-bear conflict.
How to coexist with black bears
Recreating outdoors in bear country
Hiking, walking, camping, cycling, and fishing in bear country takes special precautions.
Learn more about the BearWise Outdoor Basics and how to be BearWise in the outdoors.
Homes, cabins, resorts & restaurants
Food and food odors attract bears, so don't reward them with easily available food or garbage.
Learn more about the BearWise At-Home Basics and how to be BearWise around your home, cabin and resorts.
Livestock, bees, crops & orchards
Raising livestock, bees and crops in bear country means taking a proactive approach to preventing bear damage. This is best accomplished by removing/securing attractants and using deterrent energized fencing.
Learn more about energized fencing and how to be BearWise when raising livestock, bees and crops.
Other resources
Be BearWise, Minnesota!
Human-bear conflict is a natural part of a healthy and resilient bear population, but there are some simple tips you can use to coexist with bears and keep your property secure. This webinar [NEED LINK] showcases a discussion about how to be BearWise, keep your property safe, and keep bears wild.
Become a BearWise Community
The Minnesota DNR recognizes communities and organizations that take the commitment to live BearWise. Interested? Review the BearWise Community Recognition Requirements [NEED LINK] or contact your area wildlife office for more information.
BearWise For Kids
Living With Bears classroom lesson plan and game ---- [LINK? I CAN'T FIND THIS ON THE BEARWISE SITE]