Black Bear Sighting Reported in Southwestern Illinois

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is warning locals to be vigilante and "bear aware" following the sighting of a black bear in southwestern Illinois. This is not the first time a bear has been spotted in Illinois either.

Per the IDNR, an individual reported seeing a bear last week in St. Clair County. The IDNR investigated and a wildlife biologist for the agency confirmed the sighting the following day. The bear was spotted last Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on separate occasions, all in St. Clair County.

READ MORE: Iowa DNR Reports This Animal Might Start Calling Iowa Home

Get our free mobile app

The IDNR issued a statement confirming that the bear has had no interaction with humans, and the only damage it's caused thus far where to some beehives on private property. They added that bear sightings in Illinois could occur more frequently due to the imminent summer heat in conjunction with their population rising in neighboring states such as Wisconsin and Missouri.

Over the years, black bears have been spotted in several Illinois counties, including:

• Jackson
• Jo Daviess
• Lake
• Saline
• Pope
• Williamson

The IDNR also revealed a list of guidelines should any Illinoisans find themselves in the vicinity of a bear:

• Never feed or approach bears.
• Secure food, garbage, and recycling.
• Remove or limit use of bird feeders when bears are active.
• Avoid leaving pet food outdoors.
• Thoroughly clean and store grills and smokers after each use.
• Alert neighbors to bear activity.

On the homefront, the City of Dubuque is mulling over instituting a "Bear Ordinance" in lieu of the animal finding himself in Dubuque last summer. Per KWWL, the ordinance, which will be presented at the City Council meeting on Monday, May 5th, 2025, would "make it unlawful to feed or harass bears within city limits." The ordinance would also order residents to remove potential "bear attractants," such as bird feeders and pet food, from their property for at least 10 days if a bear is spotted in the area.

READ MORE: City of Dubuque Proposes New 'Bear Ordinance' After Sightings in 2024

Dubuque County Conservation Director Brian Preston reported that one bear observed last summer was so harassed and burdened by crowds that it collapsed from exhaustion, unable to move for an extended period of time. Should this proposed ordinance be in effect, violations would be treated as municipal infractions.

Read more about the black bear found roaming in St. Clair County on WGN's website.