(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A black bear that wandered into Illinois from Wisconsin two weeks ago is still on the move, and state wildlife officials are asking people to leave it alone.
The black bear, estimated to be 300 to 400 pounds, crossed into Illinois in Jo Daviess on June 10 from the Monroe, Wisconsin area.
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A day later, a state natural resources expert says, the bear likely swam the Mississippi River and crossed into Iowa, where it stayed for about a week before being spotted again on the Illinois side of the river.
“Over Father’s Day weekend, at no fault of the bear, he wandered into Oquawka, and a big crowd gathered there and was essentially harassing the bear by following it, trying to take pictures too close, getting it cornered," said biologist Stephanie Fitzsimons of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
She said people should leave the bear alone because if it is provoked to attack, the bear will have to be put down.
The bear likely wandered out of Wisconsin after being kicked out of its den to go look for a mate, she said.
No one has a clue where the bear could end up. Fitzsimons said it's possible it could end up in Missouri, where there's a population of black bears. Or, she says, it could turn around and head back to Wisconsin.
Black bears used to be common in Illinois until the late 1800's. They are a protected species in Illinois, Fitzsimons said.
Black bears are omnivores and eat plants and meat. Fitzsimons said they can move up to 35 miles per hour, which is another reason she suggests not approaching one.