The opportunity to see a black bear in Illinois is rare but possible, if you happen be at the right place at the right time. The Animal and Rabies Control of Jackson County reported having seen a black bear on Monday. This is the black bear seen in Illinois over the past 16 years.

Black Bears in Illinois, A Look Back at their History

Once upon a time, Black bears were common animals found across Illinois but got wiped out from this region around 1870. They gained protection by law under “protected species” by the Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) of Illinois, back in 2015. Killing, hunting, or disturbing them unless there is an imminent threat to human life or property is strictly prohibited now under this law.

Though there are no resident black bears in Illinois currently, still it can’t be ruled out that they can enter here from states like Wisconsin and Missouri where these creatures still roam freely.

Recorded Sightings of Black Bears Over Time

To give an idea about how frequently people have spotted black bears overtime,

•  July 2024
•  June 2020
•  June 2019
•  May 2014
•  June 2009
•  2008

Tips on How to Handle an Unexpected Black Bear Encounter,

If ever you are faced with a black bear following tips can help,

• Refrain from running away or pretending to be dead. Fight the bear if it tries to touch you.
• Always stay calm. According to Maggie Peikon who is Manager of communications for the American Hiking Society “It’s better to protect your head and neck by lowering your body as much as you can this way you will make it harder on the bear to roll over you”.
• Making some noise helps in avoiding a surprise encounter.
• Try not to get too close
• Preserve personal space between yourself and the bear, stand tall and using arms raise yourself slightly.
• Drop any food that may attract the bear’s attention.
• If possible, try getting into a building for safety

“Black bears won’t attack people unless they feel threatened or cornered”, this simple fact was highlighted categorically by concerned authorities.

Bear Sightings Verified in Four Southern Illinois Counties

Sightings of Black Bears were confirmed by IDNR that occurred in Williamson, Pope, Saline, and Jackson counties. It is yet unknown whether it was same bear sighted responsibly for all sightings or different bears each time. IDNR appreciates people reporting such sightings, so its biologists are able to track movements of these wild animals harder Nine important facts about recent sighting came from various sources.

The Carrier Mills Police Department reported seeing a black bear in Saline County town on July 11th.

The Sheriff’s Office of Williamson County reported another sighting at Marion city near local water tower and golf course.

Last year around June there was also confirmed sighting at Randolph County range. In 2021 Numerous sightings have been reported back then in Clinton, Washinton, Monroe and Franklin Counties.

Last year an official from the Department of Conservation Police had stated that it was likely one roaming bear responsible for these incidents. These kinds of sightings may not be common around Illinois but still due to an established presence of around 900 black bears, currently residing in Missouri and with hunting season starting, therefrom October 21-30 so there is potential for more sightings in the area.

Bear Behavior and How They Interact with Humans

Young black bears usually set out on their own journey away from their birthplace during early summer as they search for food and territory. Male adult bears roam widely when looking for a mate, while nursing females range further to acquire energy needed to raise cubs.

How Black Bears Impact Humans with their Diet

Bears are omnivorous animals that add variety to their diet by eating all kinds of plants and animals. They are fond of food odors and can travel miles if lured by food, they tend to return back where they discovered food once before.

Keyways To Prevent an Unexpected Bear Encounter.

The IDNR gives some useful tips,

• Refrain from feeding or approaching bears.
• Secure your waste like garbage cans or recycling bins etc.
• Try not removing bird feeders when active bear presence is known.
• Avoid leaving pet food outdoors
• Clean grills & smokehouses after each use properly,
• Inform neighbors about possible bear activity in vicinity.

If you ever encounter a bear, always give it room while keeping your distance and leave the area quietly. However, if cleaning up potential food attractions doesn’t stop the encounters it’s recommended by Department of Natural Resources officials that people should contact Chris Jacques, the IDNR’s large carnivore program manager by email at chris.jacques@illinois.gov or another District Wildlife Biologist from IDNR for useful advice.

In Conclusion

It may be a rare sight to see black bears in Illinois but there is always the possibly of it happening. Being ready to act and following the guidelines provided by the IDNR can keep both humans and the bears safe during these situations. Observing these majestic creatures from a safe distance can be a privilege on its own but we must remember to respect their natural habits and environment.