ELY — Researchers believe a hunter might have killed a black bear made famous when her birth in northeastern Minnesota was broadcast online.
Lynn Rogers of the North American Bear Center in Ely says he's waiting to hear from the Department of Natural Resources whether a hunter registered a bear like Hope, who was last seen Sept. 14. Thousands of people watched a den camera on the Internet two winters ago when Hope's mother, Lily, give birth.
Hope did not have a radio collar, but Rogers says Lily's collar showed she visited the hunter's bait station three times, and the two bears were often together.
Rogers says the hunter answered some questions via email but did not say if he shot Hope. Rogers says he just wants confirmation of the bear's fate.
