Black Bears Are Coming To Illinois: What You Need To Know

Black Bears in Illinois: What You Need to Know After Recent Sightings in St. Clair County

Illinois residents—especially those in the southern region—are being urged to stay alert after a series of confirmed black bear sightings in St. Clair County on May 19, 21, and 22, 2025. Caught on trail cams and even Ring doorbells, the furry visitor has caused a stir across neighborhoods and online communities.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), while the bear hasn’t shown aggression toward people, it did cause damage to bee hives on private property. The IDNR is monitoring the situation and encouraging the public to take safety measures to avoid drawing in wildlife.

Why Are Black Bears in Illinois?

Though not native to Illinois, black bears have been increasingly sighted during warmer months, particularly in southern counties. These bears are often:

•  Young males are dispersing to find their own territory,
•  Adult males roaming in search of mates, or
•  Females with cubs are hunting for reliable food sources.

Most of these bears wander from neighboring states like Missouri and Wisconsin, where black bear populations are established.

Bears Caught on Camera

Several Illinois residents have shared videos from Ring cameras and trail cams, showing bears lumbering through backyards or sniffing around trash cans. You can report a bear sighting through the Wildlife Illinois website.

The Bear Wise Checklist: How to Stay Safe

IDNR urges all residents—urban and rural—to follow these bear safety practices:

• Never feed a bear — Feeding can lead to aggressive behavior and repeat visits.
• Secure all food sources — Keep garbage in bear-proof bins or inside until pickup. Bring in pet food, bird feeders, and BBQ grills.
• Eliminate odors — Clean grills thoroughly after use. Bears have an extremely sensitive sense of smell.
• Remove temptations — Gardens, compost piles, and outdoor cooking areas can attract bears.
• Don’t approach bears — Stay calm, make yourself look large, and slowly back away. Don’t run.

Bear-Proof Products Worth Considering

These top-rated tools can help Illinois residents secure their property and reduce the chance of an unwanted bear visit:

• BV500 Bear Vault – $99.95A durable, transparent container perfect for food storage on camping trips. Product Link
• Primacy Solutions Ultimate Black Bear Trash Lock – $44.95. Top-rated with a 5-star review average, this is an affordable add-on for securing existing trash cans. Product Link
• Birds Choice Bear-Proof Feeder – $229.95For bird lovers who want to keep feeders up without inviting wildlife trouble. Product Link
• Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray – $54.95Quick-access bear spray developed with wildlife experts for outdoor safety. Product Link
• Full Circle Scrap Happy Compost Bin – $11.99Freezer-safe indoor compost bin helps keep food scraps from drawing attention outside. Product Link

Keep The Bears Safe

Bear sightings may seem shocking in Illinois, but they’re not entirely unexpected. As populations grow in surrounding states, Illinoisans may see more bears passing through, especially in rural and southern areas. By taking preventative steps and staying informed, we can keep both people and wildlife safe.

If you spot a bear, don’t post and forget—report it to the Illinois DNR and follow the Bear Wise guidelines.

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