Black Bear Moves Through Illinois: Here’s What Residents Should Do

A black bear is roaming through Southwestern Illinois, and wildlife officials are urging residents to take precautions after multiple confirmed sightings

Where Was the Bear Spotted?

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has now confirmed that a black bear was spotted in St. Clair County, Illinois, located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. St. Clair County includes the cities of Belleville, O'Fallon, East St. Louis, Fairview Heights, Shiloh, and Swansea, as well as several others. The bear was first seen on Monday, May 27, 2025. The sighting was confirmed the following day by a district wildlife biologist working with IDNR. The bear was seen again on Wednesday and Thursday, again in St. Clair County.

How Big Do Black Bears Get?

Despite their name, not all black bears are actually black. According to the National Wildlife Federation, black bears can sometimes have brown or even cinnamon colored fur. Adult black bears are usually about three feet tall at their shoulders, and more than 6 feet long from nose to tail. While female black bears typically weigh under 200 pounds, their male counterparts can easily exceed 600 pounds!

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When Do Black Bears Mate?

The National Park Service says that black bears are usually solitary creatures, except during mating season, which occurs in May and June. Mother bears typically give birth to their cubs mid-winter, ordinarily between mid-January and early February.

READ MORE: Bear Tried to Break Into Scott Air Force Base

Are Black Bears Common in Illinois?

While black bears are native to much of North America, sightings are uncommon in Illinois, but do occasionally occur. IDNR explains that sightings are more common in part because May and June are peak mating season, and due to established bear populations in neighboring states like Missouri and Wisconsin. Black bear sightings have been confirmed in the past in Jo Daviess, Lake, Saline, Pope, Williamson, and Jackson counties.

Has the Bear Caused Any Damage?

At this time, the black bear has not had any interactions with humans, but IDNR says it has caused some damage to bee hives located on private property. However, residents of Southwestern Illinois are urged to take precautions to prevent any human-bear interactions.

How Can You Stay Safe? Practice the BearWise Basics

Residents are encouraged to practice the "BearWise Basics."

• Never approach or attempt to feed a bear.

• Secure all food, garbage, and recycling.

• Clean grills thoroughly and store indoors.

• Remove bird feeders during bear activity.

• Feed pets indoors and clean up food waste quickly.

READ MORE: You Can Own a Pet Bear in These 6 States

Help Keep Your Neighborhood Safe

If you see evidence of bears in your area, whether an actual bear sighting or other indicators, let your neighbors know so they can stay alert and take precautions as well.

Find more BearWise tips here. You can also report bear and other large carnivore sightings in Illinois by visiting WildlifeIllinois.org.