Bears and berries seem to find their way into my columns each August and justifiably so because both have been easy to spot this week. Wild blueberries have been harvested in the burn areas near Seagull Lake each year since the fire, however I am told they are getting a little harder to find.
The berries are peaking in ripeness and being found in good numbers for those hunters willing to put a little effort into finding new locations. The usual spots are not producing as well as this year but many berries are still out there to be found. Much like fishing, hot spots only last so long.
The real story this week is the number of bear sightings along the trail. In the past two weeks we have seen multiple black bears roaming the forest in many different locations. The bears have all been average-sized and a few are being followed by a cub or two. The cubs are harder to spot in the thick leaves and underbrush and like to stay within a few steps of their mother.
I would guess there are some cabin guests being visited by some of these persistent scavengers, but I have not heard any stories yet. I am glad not to hear the stories since they usually do not end well for the bears.
It seems every year visitors leave food scraps around for the bears to get a photo opportunity, but this scenario usually ends with the bear being shot for getting too friendly. They are referred to as “nuisance bears” but I think we are the nuisance to them for teasing their bottomless stomachs with easy treats in an otherwise challenging forest to graze in.
Berry picking is also challenging for the bears this season which could be the reason so many are being seen. They are incredibly adaptive animals that can eat a variety of foods ranging from wild berries, to ants— even rotten baby diapers. I witnessed this.
When the food is harder to find they will gain the courage to investigate properties, especially around lodges and campgrounds that provide more opportunities for an easy meal.
I have seen a lot of food sacks hanging from tree limbs this week on Saganaga Lake and I commend the campers’ caution. Bears love food sacks and can get persistent enough to violate a camp sight in the middle of the night. Prevention is the only defense. Keep a clean site or yard and they should leave you alone.
Hawg report
released
August 4
. Cory Christianson
30-inch walleye
Northern Light Lake,
Ontario
August 6
. Madie Donovan
29-inch walleye
Saganaga Lake
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
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