The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is once again warning locals after a confirmed sighting of a black bear, this time in northwestern Illinois.
In a release issued on Friday, July 11, IDNR representatives stated that a black bear has been spotted multiple times over the past several weeks in the vicinity of Mississippi Palisades State Park and, in recent days, has been frequenting private residences south and east of Galena.
As a result of the black bear sightings, which IDNR reminds are rare but not unprecedented, residents in Jo Daviess and Carroll counties are advised to avoid direct encounters. An uptick in bear sightings across Illinois during the summer months is attributed to their population in neighboring states, such as Wisconsin and Missouri, according to the IDNR.
Locals should remain vigilant and check their properties for food sources that may attract bears.
