A press release by the MN DNR (http://elyecho.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubsectionID=2&ArticleID=11485) , a letter from DNR Enforcement, and an “urgent” flight here by the DNR Commissioner to meet with us this evening caused concern. We were right to worry because many aspects of the research hang in the balance along with the lives of radio-collared bears. These bears have not harmed or endangered anyone. However, when a bear comes close to a person, managers worry about liability. The press release mentions a bear shot on a porch. No indication was given as to where this occurred, but we do not believe it happened in the study area.
Our meeting with Commissioner Landwehr, our first, was encouraging. He assured us he is not trying to end our research, but is looking for ways to minimize liability while preserving the research. We met for nearly an hour and a half but covered only half of his agenda. Our place was mainly to listen during this meeting. He will send us a detailed letter with issues for us to respond to. Some of the issues could restrict the research, especially the use of den cams and the number of radio collars. All of that is fine if the numbers we are restricted to are reasonable. We’re going to have further discussion.
During this time of fairly intense negotiations, it would be best not to write letters to him. Your letters of the past have very much impressed him with the power of Lily’s army. Now comes a time of quiet talking. We don’t think he will officially protect the radio-collared bears, but we do think he will sincerely ask hunters not to shoot them. He is also looking for ways to communicate to hunters his desire to spare radio-collared bears. We are looking for ideas for more ways for him to address hunters, including a public service announcement of some sort.
The GPSed bears are safe. This morning, we were determined to radio-collar Hope and we did… for all of 3 minutes. 'The look' on her face when she realized she had been tricked again was priceless! She then squirmed out of it and proceeded to play with it, putting her forearm through it, manipulating it, and chewing it. But she made no move to put it back on. Faith joined her in examining the collar. Then they turned their interests elsewhere. Curses, foiled again!
Last night’s update was short due to the DNR issues that had just been dropped on us. We couldn’t think of much beyond the fact that radio-collared bears were in danger for behavior that did not endanger anyone. We never mentioned the voting contest, but tonight we checked. You have Soudan Underground Mine State Park very solidly in 2nd place at http://m.livepositively.com/park_details.jsp?parkId=556 with 8 days to go. We are 314,309 votes out of 1st place, and 1,042,926 ahead of 3rd place with 8 days to go. An amazing amount of dedication and hard work. Truly impressive!
As the bear hunt approaches, we feel the tension—both in ourselves and those who closely follow the research. Hunting is difficult for many to understand, but it’s a reality we deal with each year. Many hunters follow the research and we need their support for the research to continue. Please remember Lily’s Facebook page is a public page and refrain from negative posts. Step away from the page for a while if you need to. We will be here when you get back.
We will keep you updated as best we can in the busy weeks ahead.
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center