If you think you saw a black bear near Galena over the weekend, you might be right.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police has confirmed the sighting of a black bear Saturday morning near Galena in rural Jo Daviess County. The property owner photographed the bear at a backyard bird feeder. The bear was no longer present when officials arrived, but digital photographs confirmed the sighting.

Jim Vallee, ThinkStock
Not the actual black bear in Jo Daviess County
Jim Vallee, ThinkStock
Not the actual black bear in Jo Daviess County
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Advice from the DNR:

The IDNR encourages all citizens to take steps to avoid wildlife conflicts by leaving wildlife alone. Wild birds and animals can become habituated to people when they are provided food. Do not leave pet food outside at night, clean up under bird feeders, and secure garbage can lids to keep raccoons and other wildlife out. Nuisance animals can become dangerous to people.

For more information about avoiding wildlife conflicts, you can visit the Living with Wildlife in Illinois Website.

A page on black bears in the DNR wildlife directory can be found here.

Suffice to say, you're encouraged to keep your distance if you think you see a black bear and report the sighting to authorities.

 

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