Current:Home > NewsRare black bear spotted in southern Illinois -SecureNest Finance
Rare black bear spotted in southern Illinois
Indexbit View
Date:2025-04-10 03:03:02
You’re probably never going to spot a family of black bears in Illinois, but you may get the chance to catch a glimpse of the majestic beast every once in a while. If you’re lucky.
The Jackson County Animal and Rabies Control reported a black bear sighting on Monday, making it the sixth bear to make its way across the Prairie State in the past 16 years.
This bear was spotted in southwest Illinois in Jackson County, which is located 92 miles southeast of St. Louis. Randy Hines, a Jackson County resident, shared exclusive video footage with a local news station of the bear roaming though his yard. Residents were warned to avoid approaching or surprising the bear.
Black bears used to be ‘common’ in the state, officials say
Ursus americanus “Black bears” were once common in the area but were eliminated from the region in 1870 before being designated as a “protected species” in 2015, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Black bears can not be “hunted, killed, or harassed” unless there is an imminent threat to a person or property is detected. Anyone who comes into contact with a black blear in Illinois is encouraged to contact the Department of Natural Resources to learn about ways to address potential threats.
While there are currently no resident populations of black bears in the state, there is always the possibility that a stray black bear may make its way to Illinois from Missouri or Wisconsin, where there are existing black bear populations, the agency says.
Here’s a look at black bear sightings over the years:
- July 2024
- June 2020
- June 2019
- May 2014
- June 2009
- 2008
"Depressed" bear:Stop taking selfies with it, Florida sheriff's office tells drivers
How to handle an encounter with a black bear
First, do not run or try to play dead, said the agency. In the unlikely occasion the bear does try to make contact, the agency said to attempt to fight it off.
"Remain calm," Maggie Peikon, the manager of communications for the American Hiking Society, previously told USA TODAY. "I know it's a scary situation."
Peikon also advised that, if the bear does attack, protect your head and neck. Get as low to the floor as possible so it's harder for the bear to roll you over and have access to any vital organs.
"You don't want to run, and you don't want to turn your back on a bear," she said.
If a person does stumble a bit too close for comfort, the agency advises them to do the following:
- Make noise to avoid surprising the bear.
- Do not approach the animal or go near it.
- If the bear approaches you, look as big as possible and stand your ground. Raise your arms as high as possible and slowly back away from the animal.
- Drop any food you might have on you
- Get into a building
"A black bear is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped or provoked," the agency stated. "A bear may swat at the ground or surrounding vegetation, lunge toward you, vocalize, blow air out of its mouth or pop its jaws. These defensive behaviors are used to warn you to move away."
veryGood! (28193)
Related
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore Deserve an Award for This Iconic Housewives Reenactment
- Who can and cannot get weight-loss drugs
- AP PHOTOS: Photographers in Asia capture the extraordinary, tragic and wonderful in 2023
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- In ‘Wonka,’ Timothée Chalamet finds a world of pure imagination
- Florida woman charged with sex crimes after posing as student on Snapchat: Tampa Police
- Supreme Court to hear major case that could upend tax code and doom wealth tax proposals
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Victim's father gives emotional testimony at trial of serial killer's widow: Trauma and sadness
Ranking
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Court ‘justice stations’ open in New Mexico, Navajo Nation, allowing more remote appearances
- Woman from Boston killed in shark attack while paddle boarding in Bahamas
- Virginia police investigate explosion at house where officers were trying to serve a search warrant
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Mackenzie Phillips Addresses Alleged 10-Year Incestuous Relationship With Her Dad John
- Virginia police investigate explosion at house where officers were trying to serve a search warrant
- The Excerpt podcast: Retirees who volunteer in their communities can have a huge impact.
Recommendation
Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
AP PHOTOS: Photographers in Asia capture the extraordinary, tragic and wonderful in 2023
These 40 Holiday Gifts From Kardashian-Jenner Brands Will Make You Say You're Doing Amazing, Sweetie
Jamie Foxx Details Tough Medical Journey in Emotional Speech After Health Scare
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
US job openings fall to lowest level since March 2021 as labor market cools
AP PHOTOS: Photographers in Asia capture the extraordinary, tragic and wonderful in 2023
Michigan soldier killed in Korean War to be buried next week at Arlington National Cemetery