Another New Black Bear Sighting in NE Rochester, Minnesota

You heard about the 13+ bear sightings in Southeast Minnesota, right?!  I'm pretty sure everyone has by now.  Well, we just added 3 more to that list!  One was spotted in Plainview at a golf course.  Another in rural Oronoco messing with a few bee hives.  Now, it was just reported that another one was spotted in NE Rochester on Friday, June 2nd.

Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Report Bear Sighting Friday in NE Rochester, Minnesota

I am starting to rethink the birdfeeders that I currently have in my front yard because another black bear sighting just occurred in NE Rochester.  According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources bear reporting site, it was spotted at 4:44 pm on June 2nd, 2023 by Hadley Valley Road NE in Rochester, Minnesota.

#BlackBearSighting: Earlier today (June 2, 2023), a resident on the 4000 block of 65th St. NE Haverhill Township reported the sighting of a black bear. The caller stated that the bear approached their rural home to check out their bird feeder. The bear did not show any signs of aggression. Please keep an eye on your pets, keep garbage cans inside a garage or shed, and avoid the bear if you see it. - Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page

Do Black Bears Attack Humans in Minnesota?

I saw a comment earlier today that wondered why there was such a big hype about black bears since bear attacks are rare in Minnesota.  According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, bear attacks are actually very rare and I reported that earlier today.

Unfortunately, one attack did happen to a woman a week ago in Brainerd, Minnesota while she was letting her dog out.  She wasn't doing anything to entice the bear to her but it was in her yard and got defensive and attacked her.  Photos were just released of her injuries and although they aren't horrifying, they so show how powerful the claws are on a black bear.  If you missed that story, you can get caught up here.

I don't think people are trying to cause fear by reporting stories.  Educating individuals about bears in the area is important and that is why I write these stories.  Our community does NOT know how to handle bears.  They might show up in rural areas around Rochester more frequently but it is very rare that they are in our town.  2023 is the year they decided to move on in though.

Hopefully, the messaging, alerts, and warnings will prevent another bear attack on another individual in our state.

READ MORE:  Just Released: Photos From Scary Minnesota Bear Attack

What to do if you see a bear in Minnesota?

There is a possibility that you could see a bear and if that happens, follow the safety tips that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has provided here.  

If you happen to get a photo, please send it to me at jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com.  I'd love to include it in the story and credit you.

Lastly, you should report that sighting on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.  You can actually see all of the latest bear sightings in Minnesota and add your own at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website here.

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