Northern Minn.'s bears waking up

Bears are coming out of hibernation in northern Minnesota and on the prowl for scarce food. So the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding northern Minnesota residents to inspect their properties for food sources that could attract hungry bears.

"The bears when they emerge from their dens, they are hungry, said Blane Klemek, the DNR's assistant northwest regional wildlife manager. "They do need to replenish those fat reserves quickly. In a spring like we're having right now when there's not a whole lot out there for them to eat, black bears are looking for any kind of food sources."

More bear sightings are being reported in the northern part of the state, as the animals awaken.

"Bring in your bird feeders," Klemek says. "Clean up the residual bird feed. Take your barbecue grills and put them inside a garage. Make sure your garbage receptacles have secure lids. The main thing is taking away food sources for hungry black bears that might show up."

The DNR says people should not approach bears.