Minnesota DNR tracks bear population growth and early reproduction

(MNN)-The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is closely monitoring the state’s expanding bear range and a surprising shift in reproductive patterns. Project leader Andy Tri says bears typically don’t have their first litter until age five. But in more productive areas, some may reproduce as early as four. Now, researchers are seeing even earlier reproduction in newly expanded zones. “About 50 percent of the females in that expanded zone are actually having cubs at three,” Tri said. “It’s kind of a marked change from the past. And it’s one of the reasons we’re seeing such high expansion in the population.” The bear range now stretches from the north metro through Pine County and into northern and northwestern Minnesota.