Minnesota Bear Researcher’s Methods Under Review

ST. PAUL (AP) - An administrative law judge has started a review of a northern Minnesota bear researcher's methods.

At issue is a dispute between Lynn Rogers and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources over Rogers' state permit to affix bears with radio collars.

Last year, the DNR declined to renew Rogers' permit, alleging Rogers was creating a public safety hazard by hand-feeding bears.

Rogers sued in Ramsey County Court, and that case settled with an agreement to proceed before an administrative law judge.

Meanwhile, Rogers was allowed to maintain a number of collars on wild black bears but was ordered to cease with his popular "den cams," which broadcast cubs' births over the Internet.

The administrative proceeding began Monday and could last more than a week.