Watch CBS News

Black Bear Spotted Again In Northern Illinois

(CBS) -- Illinois' wandering bear has been spotted again after not being sighted since the weekend and now he's moved on up a tree 110 miles west of Chicago.

The bear strolled through several back yards in Mount Morris, Illinois then found himself temporary shelter in a tree just south of town.

Black Bear Spotted Again In Northern Illinois

"The bear is on private property and it is just outside of Mount Morris. We are asking people to stay away and give it a break. So far, the bear has been in the state for almost three weeks now and probably more than that and it hasn't bothered anyone and it is not bothering anyone now," said Chris Young, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of National Resources.

Young says biologists believe the bear entered Illinois around Galena headed east and is now heading back northwest in search of dense woods and some companionship, both more likely outside of northern Illinois.

CBS 2's Brad Edwards talked to some residents of Ogle County who caught a glimpse of the bear.

"I asked the one dude what's going on here and he said the bear here and i said that's really cool," said Kevin Beard.

"Who would think we'd see a bear in this area," said Joan Beard.

Homeowners are urged to remove pet food, bird feeders and secure trash cans in outside areas where the bear has been spotted.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.