The “Bear Down, Chicago Bears” fight song celebrates the NFL team, but Illinois rarely sees actual bears. Recently, however, a black bear has been spotted in downstate Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
The IDNR noted that black bears are common in Missouri and Wisconsin, and sometimes venture into Illinois during summer. Bear sightings have been confirmed in Saline, Pope, Williamson, and Jackson counties in Southern Illinois, though it’s unclear if this is the same bear or multiple bears.
IDNR wildlife chief Mike Wefer expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation in observing the bear from a safe distance and reporting its whereabouts.
Carbondale, home to Southern Illinois University and notable for being in the path of the 2017 and 2024 solar eclipses, is now also known for a recent bear sighting. The Hickory Ridge Public Golf Course in Carbondale reported a black bear between holes 4 and 6 on Sunday. Social media photos also showed a bear at the Jackson County Country Club near Murphysboro the same day.
Another sighting was reported in Marion, prompting a warning from the Kokopelli Golf Club. The Williamson County Sheriff’s office noted a bear near Galatia Post and Angelville roads last Thursday morning. Social media reports also mentioned a bear in Carrier Mills.
According to the IDNR, young bears disperse from their birth ranges in early summer to find food and a new home. Adult males travel widely seeking mates, while nursing females venture out with their cubs. Bears, being omnivores, eat a variety of plants and animals. During spring and summer, they primarily consume plants but also eat small mammals, fish, insects, birds, reptiles, and carrion.
The IDNR advises avoiding direct encounters with bears and removing potential food sources from properties if a bear is reported nearby. Bears have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to food items like barbecue grills, dog dishes, and garbage cans.
In recent years, black bears have been spotted closer to Chicago. Last June, a bear was seen in Gurnee near the Gurnee Mills Mall and in the backyard of an Antioch home three days later.
Historically, black bears were common in Illinois but were eliminated by 1870. Since 2016, black bears have been protected under the Illinois Wildlife Code and cannot be hunted or killed unless posing an imminent threat.
Also Read:
- Rare Black Bear Spotted in Illinois: Sixth Sighting in 16 Years
- Illinois Mother Shields Daughter from Bear Attack
Bear hunting is allowed in 27 states, including neighboring Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri. However, the practice is controversial. In New Jersey, state-regulated bear hunting resumed in 2022 after a ban was lifted, due to a 237% increase in bear sightings and several aggressive encounters. Animal rights groups in New Jersey have protested the hunts as inhumane.
