June 12, 2014
Staff report
Black bears were pretty much eliminated from Illinois by 1870, but at least one is making a comeback, prompting warnings from state conservation officials.
There have been at least seven sightings of a black bear in western Illinois over the last two weeks, and officials believe it is the same young male in search of a mate or his own territory.
“He probably got kicked out by his mother to make his own way,” said Chris Young, spokesman for the Illinois Department of National Resources
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The bear hasn’t displayed any aggressiveness, but the DNR is urging people to remove feeders and barbecue grills and anything else that might attract the bear to their homes.
“It should not be approached,” cautions DNR Director Marc Miller. “Help us keep this bear from being accustomed to people. Always observe wildlife from a distance.”
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