Minnesota Wildlife

Minnesota?s draft wolf plan update is ready for public review

We are welcoming comments through 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, on a draft of Minnesota?s updated wolf management plan that incorporates the diverse views of Minnesotans and will guide the state?s approach to wolf conservation once finalized.

Wolf conservation is a high priority for the DNR and our expectation is this updated plan will help ensure Minnesota?s wolf population remains healthy. Thank you to those who have already contributed to the extensive public and tribal engagement that helped create this draft.??

More details: To learn more about wolves in Minnesota and review and comment on the draft plan, visit the DNR wolf page

Photo courtesy of the International Wolf Center

Register for a wolf plan webinar

An informational webinar about the draft plan will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 13.

Registration is required and free, and participants will have an opportunity to pre-register to ask questions and comment during the webinar.

More details: Register for the webinar

Wildlife Drive opening at Roseau River WMA for self-guided tours

The 27-mile Wildlife Drive within the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area will be open from Saturday, July 16, through Sunday, July 24, and on weekends thereafter through Sunday, Aug. 7. The drive?s self-guided tour traverses wetland, woodland, brushland, grassland and farmland habitats, providing visitors ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.

More details: Read about the Wildlife Drive

Photo courtesy of John F Mohr IV

Be BearWise at homes, cabins

Is your yard or campsite attractive to bears? In the absence of human-created attractions, bears rely on small, scattered patches of natural foods: specific types of young green vegetation in spring, certain species of ants and ant pupae in June, berries in summer, and nuts in fall. But if bears can get access to concentrated, high-calorie, easily accessible foods around people?s homes and campsites, they are easily enticed away from their natural food sources.

Follow these BearWise basics at home or at the cabin:

• Never feed or approach bears
• Secure food, garbage and recycling
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active
• Never leave pet food outside
• Clean and store grills
• Alert neighbors to bear activity

More details: How to reduce human-bear conflicts, and be BearWise

Be BearWise while recreating

Hikers, campers and others recreating outdoors, please be aware of bears when making outdoor plans this year. Minnesota is bear country, and people can peacefully share the outdoors with bears by paying attention to where and when they?re most likely to encounter bears. Black bears are naturally cautious animals that avoid human contact for their own safety; however, it?s important to be proactive to prevent unwanted human-bear interactions.

While recreating in bear country, follow these BearWise outdoor basics:

• Stay alert and stay together
• Leave no trash or food scraps
• Keep dogs leashed
• Camp safely
• Know what to do if you see a bear
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it

More details: Find recreation safety tips, be BearWise and how to leave no trace

Minnesota Twins offer free hats

Anyone with a 2022 Minnesota hunting or fishing license can receive a free camouflage Minnesota Twins logo cap thanks to a special Twins ticket offer.

The Minnesota DNR Days are back at Twins games this season through a partnership between the Twins and the DNR. The upcoming Minnesota DNR Days partnership games at Target Field in Minneapolis are:

• Sunday, July 3, vs. the Baltimore Orioles at 1:10 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 16, vs. the Kansas City Royals at 6:40 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 9 vs. the Cleveland Guardians at 7:10 p.m.

To receive your hat: Purchase reserved game tickets online. Go to the game. Present your valid ticket purchased through this special ticket package. Pick up your cap at the game.

More details: Find instructions for purchasing tickets