Well-known research bear killed by hunter near Ely

ELY, Minn. (AP) — The North American Bear Center says one of its well-known research bears has been killed by a hunter near Ely.

Dot was 13 years old.

The Duluth News Tribune reports Dot was wearing a radio collar with colorful ribbons when she was shot on Friday.

Researchers Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield wrote they were feeling “deep grief.” Dot had been radio-tracked longer than any other bear in the study.

It is legal to shoot a radio-collared bear in Minnesota, but the Department of Natural Resources urges hunters to use restraint.

Earlier this year, the DNR revoked Rogers’ permits to collar the bears. But a temporary compromise was reached that allows researchers to have collars on up to 10 bears.

With Dot’s death, the bear center has nine collared bears.