Jo Daviess County, IL – Residents of Jo Daviess and Carroll counties are being urged to secure their homes and properties after a black bear was reportedly observed by several landowners over the past few weeks in northwestern Illinois, including areas near the Mississippi Palisades State Park and private residences south and east of Galena.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the sightings of the black bear have occurred repeatedly in recent days, raising public awareness but not immediate alarm. The IDNR emphasized that while seeing a bear may be a rare and exciting experience, the animal’s presence does not necessarily pose a threat to human safety. Officials stressed the importance of treating bears as wild animals and minimizing human interaction.
IDNR is advising residents to avoid direct encounters and to check their properties for any food sources that could attract bears, such as bird feeders, garbage cans, barbecue grills, and pet food left outdoors. According to the IDNR, bears are likely to return to locations where they find food, making prevention key to avoiding further encounters.
The agency recommends following BearWise basics, including never feeding or approaching bears, securing all garbage and recyclables, removing bird feeders, thoroughly cleaning grills, and alerting neighbors to any bear activity. Residents are also encouraged to report sightings to wildlife authorities and to back away slowly if a bear is encountered, providing the animal with plenty of space.
For more information on living responsibly with bears or to report a sighting, residents can visit the IDNR website or use resources provided by BearWise and Wildlife Illinois.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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