Black bears were spotted at each end of Illinois earlier this month, setting in motion a predictable stew of events that typically includes four ingredients: a fuzzy photo, social media buzz, police telling humans to keep their distance and DNR reminding everyone that bears sometimes wander.
Once those steps are taken, action always ensues. The bear wanders off into a neighboring state, never to be heard from again. The 2023 version of wandering bears started near Evansville, in Randolph County.
Bear sightings pop up in Illinois right on cue in June
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT
Read this article now.
Create a free Outdoor News account.
Create a free account below to get instant access to this article, thousands of Outdoor News stories, and our digital editions. Your 1-month trial starts the moment you sign up.
No credit card required
No credit card required
No credit card required
Subscriber? Login Here.
Share on Social
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Hand-Picked For You
Ep. 109 – Heart of Deer Season
Dan Ladd
November 6, 2026
Ohio Division of Wildlife manager Comer retires after 32 years
John Hageman
November 6, 2026
Public launch in Tiffin newest scenic river access in Ohio
John Hageman
November 6, 2026
Wisconsin EHD in southeast appears to be ending
Larry Polenske
November 6, 2026
Lake Superior lake trout numbers falling as Wisconsin NRB approves harvest reduction
Tim Eisele
November 6, 2026
Baitfish ban proposed in the Adirondacks
Dan Ladd
November 6, 2026
Related Articles

DNR celebrates evolving Minnesota Conservation Herd for National Bison Day, Nov. 7
DNR Report
November 6, 2026
The Minnesota DNR donated 23 bison in 2026 to help start, grow other herds

Hammerhandle pike, AIS surcharges, and stranger things
Ron Schara
November 6, 2026
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a phone number or information to report access problems to the responsible agency?

Ep. 109 – Heart of Deer Season
Dan Ladd
November 6, 2026
Deer season is in full swing in nearly all Northeastern states, but the warm weather has sure thrown a wrench