Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has issued a reminder to residents about the potential for black bear sightings during the summer months. While such sightings in Illinois are rare, bears from neighboring states like Missouri and Wisconsin may occasionally venture into Illinois.

Recent confirmed sightings have been reported in Saline, Pope, Williamson, and Jackson counties. It remains unclear whether these reports pertain to a single bear or multiple bears. "IDNR biologists are monitoring the bear's movement and appreciate receiving ongoing reports from the public of its whereabouts," said IDNR wildlife chief Mike Wefer. "We're also grateful to everyone who has followed our advice to leave the bear alone and enjoy the rare privilege of observing it from a safe distance."

Residents can report bear sightings online through IDNR's website.

Yearling bears often disperse from their birth ranges during early summer in search of food and permanent home ranges. Adult males travel extensively looking for mates, while nursing females venture further afield to meet the demands of raising cubs.

Bears are omnivores with diets that include a wide range of plants and animals. In spring and early summer, their diet is primarily plant-based but supplemented with available protein sources such as small mammals, fish, insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or carrion.

While seeing a bear can be an extraordinary experience, it is crucial to remember that they are wild animals. IDNR advises people to avoid direct encounters with bears and check their properties for food sources that might attract them. Bears have an acute sense of smell and can detect odors from over a mile away.

To prevent human-bear conflicts, IDNR recommends following Bear Wise basics:

- Never feed or approach bears.

- Secure food, garbage, and recycling.

- Remove or limit bird feeders when bears are active.

- Avoid leaving pet food outdoors.

- Clean and store grills after each use.

- Alert neighbors to bear activity.

If encountering a bear, individuals should give it ample space while backing away slowly and quietly. Persistent encounters after removing food sources should be reported to Chris Jacques at chris.jacques@illinois.gov or an IDNR District Wildlife Biologist for further advice.

For more information on living responsibly with bears, visit IDNR's Wildlife Illinois website.