Black Bear Sightings Confirmed in St. Clair County, Illinois

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is urging caution for residents and visitors to the state after an increase in black bear sightings.

According to the IDNR press release, the bear's presence in Illinois isn't unusual, says wildlife biologists.

The bears are reportedly known to make their way across the border from neighboring states like Wisconsin and Wisconsin, where established populations of black bears and other wildlife thrive.

Black Bear Seen Roaming Illinois This Week

First spotted on Monday (5/19), the black bear was located somewhere in St. Clair County and was confirmed on Tuesday. The bear was again seen on Wednesday and Thursday, still hanging around in St. Clair County.

According to the IDNR, the bear has had "no interaction with humans, though it has damaged some bee hives on private property."

Get our free mobile app

In years past, bears have been seen in Jo Daviess, Lake, Saline, Pope, Williamson, and Jackson. Movement of these black bears is often tied to finding food, mates, or new territory, according to the IDNR.

Safety Reminders and Preventative Measures from IDNR

While bear sightings in Illinois remain rare, the IDNR urges residents to avoid direct contact and secure all potential food sources like bird feeders, garbage cans, and grills.

Bears rely heavily on scent and are capable of detecting a food source from over a mile away, and once they find that source, they are likely to return.

If you do encounter a black bear in Illinois, you should report the sighting to the IDNR through their website portal that is available by clicking HERE.