Black Bear Spotted In IL: Tips To Stay Safe

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, IL — A black bear was seen repeatedly in recent days in downstate St. Clair County, according to state authorities.

The bear was first spotted on May 19, and an Illinois Department of Natural Resources district wildlife biologist confirmed the animal’s presence on May 20, the agency said. The bear was also seen Wednesday and Thursday, according to a news release issued Friday by the department.

“The bear has had no interaction with humans, though it has damaged some bee hives on private property,” the news release said.

Black bear sightings in Illinois are rare but established populations of the animal do live in Wisconsin and Missouri. Past Illinois sightings have been confirmed in Jo Daviess, Lake, Saline, Pope, Williamson and Jackson counties, according to the department.

People should avoid direct encounters with bears and, if a bear is reported in their area, they should check their property for food sources such as bird feeders, barbecue grills, garbage cans and dog food.

“Once a bear finds a food source, they will likely return, so prevention is key,” the news release said.

The department offered the following tips for preventing conflicts with bears:

• Never feed or approach bears;
• Secure food, garbage and recycling;
• Remove or limit the use of bird feeders when bears are active;
• Don’t leave pet food outdoors;
• Clean and store grills and smokers after each use;
• Alert neighbors to bear activity.

“People who encounter a bear should give the animal sufficient space while backing away slowly and quietly,” the news release said.

Anyone who is experiencing bear encounters that persist after cleaning up food sources should email Chris Jacques, the department’s large carnivore program manager, at chris.jacques@illinois.gov or contact a district wildlife biologist at wildlifeillinois.org/idnr-district-wildlife-biologist.

To report a bear sighting, visit wildlifeillinois.org/report-sightings/report-large-carnivore-sightings.