Bear Sighting Reported In Gurnee

GURNEE, IL — Authorities are urging caution following a possible bear sighting in Gurnee.

The Gurnee Police Department received reports of the bear after it was spotted in the area of Hunt Club Road and Route 132 at about 8:45 a.m. Officers responded to the area but did not find a bear, according to a post on the Gurnee Police Department Facebook page.

Authorities say anyone who spots a bear should not approach it and should instead contact the dispatch center at 847-599-7000, extension 0.

A video that has been making its rounds online shows the animal, which some think looks like a black bear and others believe to be a large black dog, running through the parking lot of a Kinder Care.

This is not the first time a black bear has been spotted in Illinois. Since 2008, there have been five reported bear sightings in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Black bears, once common in Illinois, were eliminated from the state by 1870, and there is currently no resident population of bears. But the potential exists for bear from existing populations in Missouri and Wisconsin to travel into the state.

Black bears have been protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code since 2015 and can not be hunted, killed, or harassed unless there is an imminent threat to person or property.

In June 2020, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said a black bear entered Illinois from Wisconsin. Nicknamed “Bruno,” the black bear crossed through northeastern Illinois largely unbothered until June 21 when it crossed into Hendersonsville country where 300 people gathered “to view, follow and harass the bear,” the IDNR said.

Stefanie Fitzsimons, District Wildlife Biologist for the department, said it was believed the bear was just passing through the state while looking for a mate and is unlikely to stay long because of a lack of habitat in Illinois.

• Stop Bothering Black Bear Traveling State On Quest For Mate: IDNR

"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 — whether IDNR must step in and take action to protect public safety — is completely dependent on how the public react to it," she added. "If the bear is left alone, it can continue its journey safely on its own."

At the time, conservation police warned they could make arrests if the public continued to harass the bear.

In 2014, a black bear was spotted in western Illinois and IDNR officials urged caution to suburban residents as it appeared the bear could enter Kane and Kendall counties.

"While the black bear sighted most recently has shown no aggressive behavior towards humans, it should not be approached," IDNR Director Marc Miller said at the time. "Help us keep this bear from being accustomed to people. Always observe wildlife from a distance."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.