Bear in Claremont – How to Naturally Encourage the Bear to Move Along

A few days ago, a black bear was reported in the Claremont, MN area. This is definitely NOT in typical black bear territory, so we're not totally sure why he's in the area, but hopefully just passing through.

I haven't seen new sightings of the bear since the announcement but he may still be poking around. And if so, the Dodge County Sheriff's Office has shared some tips for us to...

1. protect ourselves if we do encounter the bear, and 2. how we can help encourage the bear to naturally move along.

That's the ultimate goal, is for the bear to continue on whatever path he's on and to do so safely.

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What to Do If You Encounter a Bear

If you encounter the bear, the Minnesota DNR tips include:

• Stay calm.
• Make loud noises.
• Wave your arms and/or open your coat to make yourself look bigger.
• Slowly back away to give the bear space.

Like I said, the goal is to help encourage the bear to move along, and they should do that on their own if they don't find something tasty to eat and/or if they don't get comfortable around humans.

How to Help the Claremont Bear Move Along

Here's how we can help the Claremont bear continue on his path naturally:

• Do not approach the bear.
• Do not feed the bear.
• Make sure children know how to stay safe and that they stay in groups.
• Don't let young children play outside unsupervised.
• Don't leave pets outside unattended.
• Secure garbage cans.
• Remove any bird feeders for the time being. Bears LOVE bird feeders.

Hopefully the bear will be on his merry way out of town and back where he belongs soon!