Security camera footage posted Wednesday, May 27, shows two black bears casually wandering into a driveway in Elk River, giving one neighborhood a close look at Minnesota wildlife without anyone having to leave the house.
The clip, captured on resident Jason Olson's Blink camera, shows one bear ambling across the driveway while the other goes straight for a bird feeder, pawing at it before losing interest. No people were harmed. After a short visit, the animals moved off on their own.
The video was shared by FOX 9, which reports the sighting happened near Windsor Park. According to the station, the Elk River Police Department used the incident as a timely reminder for residents to pull in common “bear magnets” like bird feeders and pet food. Officers also urged neighbors to secure trash and other easy food sources to cut down on repeat visits.
DNR: How To Keep Bears Out Of Yards
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says that when bears wander into neighborhoods, they are almost always looking for an easy meal. The agency recommends getting rid of attractants such as birdseed, pet food, garbage, and similar items that can turn a yard into a regular stop on a bear's route.
The Minnesota DNR notes that once a bear discovers a reliable food source, it will often return, and that removing those temptations is more effective than trapping or relocating the animals. Officials advise storing trash inside, taking down bird feeders when bears are active, and contacting local DNR staff if problems continue.
Why Bears Turn Up In Elk River
Bears showing up in Elk River yards is not a one-off event. CBS Minnesota reported on a family of bears visiting a backyard in the community last November. The outlet noted that bears can roam long distances while foraging, especially when natural food sources are scarce, which can push them into suburbs that border wooded areas.
Wildlife managers say these visits are typically about food, not aggression, and that coordinated neighborhood efforts to remove attractants are the most effective way to reduce how often bears come back.
What To Do If You Spot A Bear
Officials say that if you see a bear, the safest move is to stay inside and keep pets secured. Do not approach, feed, or try to move the animal yourself. According to the Minnesota DNR, making loud noises from a safe distance can help encourage a bear to leave, and repeat appearances should be reported to authorities.
For households living in bear country, the agency offers checklists on how to remove attractants and what to do if a bear becomes persistent. The Minnesota DNR also provides detailed guidance tailored to homes and cabins.
Elk River police have asked neighbors to share the advisory with one another and to report any follow-up sightings. For now, the bears in Olson's video simply wandered off, but the visit is a clear reminder that living near the woods occasionally comes with some very large, very furry drop-in guests.
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