Spotting a black bear in Illinois is rare, but it does happen occasionally. Recently, a black bear was seen in Jackson County, making it the sixth bear sighting in the state over the past 16 years.
On Monday, the Jackson County Animal and Rabies Control reported a black bear sighting in southwest Illinois, about 92 miles southeast of St. Louis. Randy Hines, a resident of Jackson County, captured video footage of the bear wandering through his yard and shared it with a local news station. Authorities have advised residents to avoid approaching or startling the bear.
Black bears were once common in Illinois but were eliminated from the region by 1870. In 2015, they were designated as a protected species by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This means black bears cannot be hunted, killed, or harassed unless they pose an imminent threat to people or property. If anyone encounters a black bear, they should contact the Department of Natural Resources for guidance on handling potential threats.
Though there are no resident populations of black bears in Illinois, there is a chance that stray bears might wander into the state from neighboring Missouri or Wisconsin, where black bears are more common.
Here is a timeline of recent black bear sightings in Illinois:
- July 2024
- June 2020
- June 2019
- May 2014
- June 2009
- 2008
If you ever encounter a black bear, here are some safety tips to follow:
- Stay calm and do not run or play dead. If the bear tries to make contact, fight back.
- Protect your head and neck. Get as low to the ground as possible to make it harder for the bear to roll you over and access vital organs.
- Make noise to avoid surprising the bear. Do not approach or go near the animal.
- If the bear approaches, try to look as big as possible by raising your arms and slowly backing away.
- Drop any food you have and get into a building if possible.
According to Maggie Peikon, the manager of communications for the American Hiking Society, remaining calm is crucial. “I know it’s a scary situation,” she said. “You don’t want to run, and you don’t want to turn your back on a bear.”
If the bear feels trapped or provoked, it may show defensive behaviors such as swatting at the ground, lunging, vocalizing, blowing air out of its mouth, or popping its jaws. These actions are warnings for you to move away.
Also Read:
- Illinois Mother Shields Daughter from Bear Attack
- DeSantis’ Controversial Legislation in Wake of Southwest Florida Bear Sightings
While black bear sightings are rare in Illinois, it is important to be prepared and know how to react if you do encounter one. Staying informed and following these safety tips can help ensure both your safety and the bear’s well-being.
