IDNR MONITORING BLACK BEAR SIGHTING IN SW ILLINOIS

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is monitoring black bear sightings in Southwestern Illinois.  The bear was first spotted last Monday in St. Clair County.  The animal was observed again Wednesday and Thursday in the same county.  The bear has had no interaction with humans, but has damaged some bee hives on private property.  The IDNR encourages people to avoid direct encounters with bears.  A bear sighting can be reported online on the IDNR website.