Bear, 3 cubs in tow, kills dog in backyard of home in Sherburne County

Post date: May 7, 2012 8:11:03 PM

Article by: PAUL WALSH , Star Tribune

Updated: May 7, 2012 - 2:44 PM

A bear nibbling at a bird feeder killed a small dog in the backyard of a home in central Minnesota shortly after sunrise Monday, authorities said.

The bear was accompanied by three cubs during the incident at a home in Livonia Township, east of Zimmerman, according to the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office.

Nick Snavely, assistant wildlife manager for the state Department of Natural Resources, said the dog was a Pomeranian, which typically gets no bigger than 8 pounds.

The bear was spotted as recently as 1:30 p.m., no more than an 250 yards from the home and was being tracked by local law enforcement and a conservation officer, Snavely said.

"The main focus is if residents see the bear, take the kids and pets indoors," he said. "Leave it alone. Even the officers need to hang back and try not to provoke it."

Sheriff Joel Brott said it's not uncommon for bears to be spotted in the county, home to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, the Sand Dunes State Forest and a fair amount of rural landscape.

However, the sheriff added, attacks such as this one are rare.

The area where the incident occurred is "fairly populated," said Sheriff's Capt. Scott Fildes. The bears have not been spotted since, Fildes added.

At this time of the year, bears come out of their winter dens hungry and before their natural food sources are available. Bears then turn to bird feeders, garbage, pet food and even barbecue grills for food.

Brott said residents should stop feeding birds for now and make sure their garbage, dog food and grills are stored.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482