Another week, another black bear sighting in southern Illinois

Another week, another black bear sighting in southern Illinois.

On Monday, a bear was observed on a backyard video camera near the Jackson County Country Club in Murphysboro.

Last Thursday a bear was spotted by several witnesses in eastern Williamson County, north of Highway 13 between Marion and Harrisburg. 

That sighting was a week after a bear was seen in Carrier Mills, about 15 miles to the southeast. It's unclear if this is the same bear. 

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, there are established black bear populations nearby in Missouri and Wisconsin. With that, occasional summer movements by bears into Illinois are fairly common.

Biologists said they are monitoring the bear’s movement and appreciate receiving ongoing reports from the public. They're grateful to everyone who has followed advice to leave the bear alone and enjoy the rare privilege of observing it from a safe distance.

To report a bear sighting to the IDNR, you can go online to their website.



(Photo via Jackson County Sheriff Facebook)