Ely bear researcher Lynn Rogers feeds bears as a way to earn their trust and get closer access to his research subjects. The unconventional approach rattles some wildlife enthusiasts and now the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is challenging Rogers scientific rigor and limiting the number of bears he can keep captive.

In late December, the DNR renewed Rogers’ research permit to study black bears, but cut back the number of bears he may radio-collar from 15 to 12. The permit is valid only through June rather than December, so that future renewals won’t have to be made when bears are denned and Rogers has den cameras deployed, DNR officials said.

“We continue to be concerned about the lack of scientific publications resulting from your research,” DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr said in the letter to Rogers that accompanied his permit.

via Duluth News Tribune.

MPR News: Researcher Lynn Rogers feeds the bears, battles critics

“A good month for biologist Lynn Rogers will be capped off Sept. 30 as his North American Bear Center in Ely breaks ground for a $1 million expansion, nearly doubling the size of the research, education and exhibit facility.”

via Duluth News Tribune.