3rd Research Bear Shot In September In NE Minn.

ELY, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed another research bear has been killed in northern Minnesota, making it the third research bear to have been shot in September.

The Wildlife Research Institute in Ely says the GPS collar from a bear known as "June" was turned in to the DNR.

Researcher Lynn Rogers called the loss "devastating."

Two other research bears have been shot in September -- one was killed, the other injured.

The DNR has advised hunters not to shoot bears with radio collars, but it is not illegal.

The Minnesota bear hunting season runs through October 13.