Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is currently monitoring the presence of a black bear in southwestern Illinois. The bear was initially spotted on Monday in St. Clair County, and an IDNR district wildlife biologist confirmed the sighting on Tuesday. The animal continued to be observed on Wednesday and Thursday within the same county. Although there have been no interactions with humans, the bear has caused damage to some bee hives on private property.

According to IDNR's wildlife division, while black bear sightings in Illinois are uncommon, there is potential for animals from neighboring states to be seen in Illinois over the coming months. With established populations in Missouri and Wisconsin, occasional movements into Illinois during summer are expected. Past confirmed sightings have occurred in Jo Daviess, Lake, Saline, Pope, Williamson, and Jackson counties.

Residents are advised by IDNR to avoid direct encounters with bears and check their properties for food sources that could attract them if reported nearby. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can detect odors from over a mile away. They often investigate anything that might offer a food reward such as bird feeders, barbeque grills, garbage cans, and pet food. Once they find a source of food, they tend to return; hence prevention is crucial.

In early summer months, yearling bears disperse from their birth ranges seeking food and permanent home ranges. Adult males travel extensively searching for mates while nursing females venture further from core areas due to the demands of raising cubs.

Bears are omnivores consuming various plants or animals providing calories. Their spring and early summer diet mainly consists of plants supplemented by available protein sources like small mammals, fish, insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians or carrion.

Though encountering a bear may be rare and not necessarily dangerous for humans it’s important to remember that bears remain wild animals deserving appropriate caution.

To report bear sightings visit IDNR online.

Conflicts between humans and bears can be minimized by following Bear Wise guidelines including:

- Never feeding or approaching bears.

- Securing food waste.

- Removing bird feeders when bears are active.

- Avoiding leaving pet food outdoors.

- Cleaning grills thoroughly after use.

- Informing neighbors about any bear activity.

If someone encounters a bear they should back away slowly giving space quietly without causing alarm. Should encounters persist despite removing attractants contact Chris Jacques at chris.jacques@illinois.gov or reach out to an IDNR District Wildlife Biologist for guidance.

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