Black Bear Sighted Roaming Through Illinois

PIKE COUNTY, IL — A black bear is making its way across central Illinois. The bear is being closely monitored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Police Officers as it makes its way through the state.

IDNR biologists believe the bear crossed into Illinois from Wisconsin on June 10. The bear then crossed into Iowa but came back into Illinois through southern Rock Island County on June 18. The bear is now ambling through western Illinois, the IDNR said on Facebook

Nicknamed “Bruno,” the black bear has crossed through northeastern Illinois largely unbothered on June 21 when it crossed into Hendersonsville country where 300 people gathered “to view, follow and harass the bear,” the IDNR said.

>>> Illinois State Police help the black bear safely cross I-72 in Pike County

On Sunday, IDNR staff and conservation police officers helped Bruno cross the I-72 interstate via a county road overpass outside Barry in Pike County. The state natural resource officials are imploring people to leave the bear alone and give him plenty of space until he finishes his trip through Illinois.

“We know many of you want to get a glimpse or picture of him yourselves, but please remember to stay off private property and not to crowd the bear. Giving him plenty of room helps keep him, our staff, officers and the public safe.”

An estimated 950,000 black bears are in North America today, about twice the number that existed in the early 20th century. Adult male bears weigh 250 to 350 pounds; females 120 to 180 pounds. Black bears stand 4 to 6 feet tall on their hind legs, and 2 to 3 feet from the shoulder when standing on all four paws.

There is no black bear population in Illinois, but wildlife experts expect more black bears to pass through Illinois. Since 2009, three black bear sightings have been reported in the state. Black bears roamed Illinois in the late 1600s, but disappeared in the 1870s, mostly due to hunting, according to the IDNR website.

Black bears are now protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code. They may not be hunted, killed or harassed unless there is an imminent threat to person or property.

Stefanie Fitzsimons, an IDNR district wildlife biologist, told NBC affiliate WGEM in Quincy that the black bear is likely looking for a mate. Bruno the black bear is not likely to make his home in Illinois, because he doesn’t have the habitat bears need to survive and conceal themselves. Black bears are also not likely to stroll into the suburbs.

“For the most part, we’ve not seen conflicts between the public and bear until recently and, unfortunately, those conflicts were caused entirely by people,” Fitzsimons said. “It’s a novelty to see a bear in Illinois, and people want to see it for themselves, but they must remember that the outcome for this bear … is completely dependent on how the public react to it. If the bear is left alone, it can continue its journey safely on its own.”

If you do see the bear, enjoy him from a distance of at least 100 yards. The IDNR wants to keep him safe during his visit, and doesn't want to have to shoot him because he attacks some harassing member of the public. We don't want that either.

Report cougar, wolf and bear sightings