CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sending out another warning after a black bear was seen for the second time. This time it was in northwest Illinois.
Representatives from the IDNR said in a statement released on July 11 that a black bear has been seen several times in the past few weeks near Mississippi Palisades State Park and has been visiting private homes south and east of Galena more often lately.
People in Jo Daviess and Carroll counties are being told to stay away from black bears because of the reports, which the IDNR says are rare but not unheard of. The IDNR says that bears are more common in nearby states like Wisconsin and Missouri, which is why more bears are seen in Illinois during the summer.
People in the area should stay alert and check their homes for food sources that bears might be interested in.
The IDNR also advised people in the area of the following tips:
- Keep bears away and never feed them.
- Keep food, trash, and recyclables safe.
- Take down bird feeders or reduce their use when bears are around.
- Do not leave pet food outside.
- After each use, clean grills and smokers well and put them away.
- Tell your friends about bear activity
If someone sees a bear, they can tell IDNR about it.
