It’s a worst-case scenario for hikers, campers, and homeowners in the Upper Midwest: turning around to see a massive bear in pursuit. The good news, according to experts? It’ll probably never happen.

Jason Rantala joined WCCO as a reporter in June 2023. He's a Minnesota native and is thrilled to be telling the stories of those in his hometown. Located 30 miles from Minneapolis, Elk River, ...

DULUTH, Minnesota (WCCO) — A brown bear in northern Minnesota has made “dental history” after receiving a full metal crown that is the first of its kind, according to zoo staff. On Monday, Lake ...

Minnesota bear hunters had an average year for the 2025 season, with around 2,860 black bears registered by the end of the season on Oct. 12, according to preliminary figures collected by the state ...

The Forest Lake Police Department has seen an increase in calls about bear sightings in the city’s residential areas. Black bears are most common in northern and central Minnesota, but they can live ...

A 45-year-old man is injured and a bear dead following a collision on a central Minnesota highway, according to the State Patrol. Milaca resident Douglas J. Cramlet was driving a 2024 Chevy Silverado ...

A central Minnesota man was injured when his pickup truck collided with a black bear in Benton County. The crash occurred at about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday on Highway 23 in Maywood Township, according to ...

CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports outdoor activity continued to slow and phone calls at all hours have again become common as the fall seasons are upon us. CO Sean Cannon (Cook) monitoring bear-baiting ...