Controversial bear researcher seeks extension from Dayton

In this May 2, 2007 photo, bear researcher Lynn Rogers of Ely, Minn., allows Ted, a tame black bear raised by humans, to lick his lips while checking on the bear in its enclosure at the North American Bear Center in Ely. The renowned bear researcher known to hand-feed the animals and broadcast the birth of cubs over the Internet lost his Minnesota permit Friday, June 28, 2013 to do his close-up studies. (AP Photo/The Duluth News-Tribune, Clint Austin)

By Associated Press

July 21, 2013 at 11:00 PM

ST. PAUL — A black bear researcher will ask Gov. Mark Dayton for time to continue his work beyond the end of the month.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is not renewing Lynn Rogers' research permit which allows him to track a dozen black bears with GPS collars and place cameras in the bears' dens. The DNR has given Rogers until July 31 to remove the tracking collars.

The agency says Rogers' practice of feeding the bears has created a public safety risk. The DNR also says Rogers hasn't published enough research since he was initially given the permit in 1999.

Minnesota Public Radio News ( http://bit.ly/13YCsRw ) says Rogers will meet with Dayton Monday and try to convince him to allow the collars to stay on the bears until an investigation into the DNR's claims is complete.