2 bears killed near northern Minnesota wildlife sanctuary

Two adult black bears were killed near a northern Minnesota wildlife sanctuary, and a reward is being offered for information leading to whoever is responsible for what are being branded as unethical killings.

The first bear was found dead Saturday near the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary about 14 miles west of Orr, said state Department of Natural Resources Lt. Greg Payton. The other was found Monday, Payton said.

The bear found Saturday was intact, but the second bear had its head, hide and paws removed, Payton said. Its carcass was left behind, meaning that anyone responsible could be charged with wanton waste. Punishment for that violation is a $274 fine and $400 in restitution to the state.

Authorities are declining to reveal how the bears were killed in order to not compromise the investigation.

While the killings did occur on state land and during bear hunting season (Sept. 1-Oct. 12), the acts "would be considered unethical by most people" because they happened so close to a sanctuary, Payton said.

Bears "come and go freely" to the sanctuary, Payton said, adding that these two were on typical routes that bears take to the facility's feeding stations.

"These guys aren't hunters," said Dennis Udovich, president of the American Bear Association, which operates the sanctuary. "They give hunters like me a bad name."

Payton said similar bear killings occurred near the sanctuary in 1998 and 2004.

A reward of $2,250 is being offered in these latest killings for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Calls are being accepted by the TIP (Turn in Poachers) hot line at 1-800-952-9093.

The 360-acre sanctuary draws thousands of visitors every year to observe black bears' behavior, habitat needs and life cycles.

In addition to being a seasonal home to a more than 80 bears, the sanctuary includes whitetail deer, bald eagles, beavers, mink, timber wolves, owls and ravens.