Boundary Waters order aims to prevent bear-human interactions

Restrictions are in effect at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as forest officials aim to prevent bear-human interactions within the Superior National Forest.

The order, signed by Forest Supervisor Thomas Hall, is in effect each year from March 1 until November 30, with the latest order set to expire April 19, 2026.

Here's what the order requires:

"To reduce the chances of attracting wildlife, attractants should be suspended at least 12 feet above the surface of the ground and 6 feet horizontally from the trunk of a tree or stored in an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee certified bear resistant container. Attractants are any items which have a strong odor and may attract bears and other wildlife, such as food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, toothpaste) and refuse."

These restrictions apply to all visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, unless they have a written authorization specifically exempting them from the order or they are carrying out their official duties as a member of a rescue or firefighting team.

Attractants do not need to be safely stored if they’re in use, such as cooking or preparing food, or kept under close watch, according to the Forest Service.

According to the order, violations are punishable by up to $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for organizations or up to six months in prison.

"Except for gross violations or repeated violation, we intend to issue warnings for the first year of the order," the Forest Service shared in an announcement. "Fortunately, many BWCAW visitors are already practicing good food storage techniques. The concept isn’t new, we’re just approaching it as a season‐long prevention effort, rather than reacting to incidents as they occur."

Read more about the forest order here .