7.3. SR 07-24-2000Elk ' /
From:
iver Date:
Police Department
Memorandum
Mayor and City Council
Thomas D. Zer,vvas, Chief of Police
July 18, 2000
Subject: BEAR COMPLAINTS IN CITY
Item 7.3.
Recently we had several bear complaints on the east side of the City
by Highway 169 and 193d Avenue. These complaints came in after
9:00.m. on June 14th, 2000. We had a bear that was subsequently
observed jumping the fence into MNDOT's fenced in maintenance lot
on Highway 169.
It was decided to leave the bear alone, rather than dealing with it that
night. Later that night, the bear was seen by motorists heading north
out of Elk River. We haven't received any other complaints since
then on this bear or any other(s).
Our normal procedure on bears during daytime hours in highly
populated areas is much different than at night. If we should have a
problem with a bear such as the one (1) a couple years ago on Jackson
Avenue by Lincoln Elementary School, we would take a different
approach than our recent bear sighting. We have a tranquilizer gun
that we can, and would use if a bear was causing problems during
daylight hours in out City.
In our rural sections, Iarn sure bear sightings are more common;
however, unless bears are causing significant problems or are
becoming threatening to humans or others, they should be left alone.
I think the main points to make in regards to bear(s) is quite simply:
don't feed them, leave them alone, keep your trash secured, don't
leave dog or other animal food outside, if a bear comes on your
property try to scare it off by banging pots and pans together or by
making other loud noises. If at all possible, leave them alone, they
will leave if they don't find food.
If you, as a City Council, have any questions or suggestions on this
issue, give me a call.
TDZ/krna
13065 Or0n0 Parkway · P.O. Box 723 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-2324 · Fax (612) 441-8937