Where’s the bear now? He’s headed your way, Madison County
Tracking its path over the last few days, the migratory black bear is still trekking north and nearing the Madison County line.
The Caseyville Police Department said on Wednesday that the bear was seen on East O’Fallon Drive. Previous sightings were at Granvue Drive and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in west Belleville and near Briar Hill in Fairview Heights.
His trajectory through this and other bear sightings suggests Collinsville will be his next visit. Since Tuesday, it has been seen within a 10-mile wide, 20-mile long forested corridor that stretches from west Belleville to northern Edwardsville.
The bear was first spotted in Monroe County Sunday, after which it entered St. Clair County near Columbia.
On Wednesday, the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency posted a statement on social media, echoing other agencies’ warnings against approaching the bear.
“The best thing everyone can do is leave the bear alone and allow it to continue its migration. Please do not approach, attempt to feed or in any way interact with the bear. Multiple agencies are monitoring as it moves through our county,” the agency posted.
Police agencies and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have all said it is best to leave the bear alone as it travels through the metro-east.
Some on social media, such as the Top Of The Hill Community Association and Fairview Heights Police Department, have taken to calling the bear “Dewey,” but the cuddly name contradicts its wild nature and the danger it poses humans if it senses a threat. Bears are protected animals in Illinois, and therefore cannot be hunted or in any way harassed.
Illinois Conservation Police Officer Don Schachner said the bear likely crossed the Mississippi River from Missouri.
Schachner told the BND Tuesday that it’s likely not the same bear spotted throughout southern Illinois in late-July. It’s believed that bear came from Kentucky.
Schachner also said that there are no plans to trap or relocate the bear, and Conservation Police will only take action “in the unlikely event” that it enters someone’s home or garage or if it’s cornered up a tree by onlookers.
“If you like the bear and you want what’s best for the bear, the best thing is to give it its space, back away, don’t crowd it. Don’t stress it out. Don’t make it feel threatened,” Schachner said.
Follow the Department of Natural Resources’ tips if the bear is near you:
- Never feed or approach bears.
- Secure food, garbage, and recycling.
- Remove or limit use of bird feeders when bears are active.
- Avoid leaving pet food outdoors.
- Thoroughly clean and store grills and smokers after each use.
- Alert neighbors to bear activity.
This story was originally published August 7, 2024 at 3:55 PM.
