The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reporting sightings of Black Bear in four Southern Illinois counties in the past few weeks. Although sightings of black bears in the state are rare, the potential exists that animals from neighboring states may be observed in Illinois over the next few months.
With established populations in the adjacent states of Missouri and Wisconsin, occasional summer movements by bears into Illinois are anticipated, including recent confirmed sightings in Saline, Pope, Williamson, and Jackson counties. It’s currently uncertain if it’s the same bear or multiple bears.
IDNR encourages people to avoid direct encounters with bears and to check their property for food sources that could attract a bear if one is reported in the area.
