Multiple bear sightings near New Ulm, people warned to stay away
Multiple bear sightings in and around the New Ulm area in south-central Minnesota have police in the area warning people not to approach the wild animal.
New Ulm police posted this message on Facebook on Wednesday:
"If you happen to see a bear in New Ulm please please do not approach it. Contact us at 507-233-6750 and an officer will respond. Animal Control will also be contacted as they are the point of contact to the DNR. At this time the plan is to leave the bear alone unless the bear is posing danger to the public."
The police added: "DO NOT APPROACH A BEAR FOR ANY REASON...this includes trying to take photos or a selfie."
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According to Southern Minnesota News, bear sightings were reported both Sunday and Monday, once in New Ulm city limits on South Payne Street between 9th and 10th streets, and again off Hwy. 14 between Courtland and Nicollet around 503rd Ave.
The Minnesota DNR's bear sightings map shows that the bear spotted in New Ulm was reported at 12:25 p.m. on Sunday. That same day, a bear sighting was reported around 3:30 p.m. southeast of New Ulm near the Minnesota River.
The DNR notes that black bears can travel 10-20 miles per day, so it very well could've been the same bear.