Black Bear Sightings Reported in Illinois

Residents in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, are on high alert following a black bear sighting in the Oakchase neighborhood, believed to be the first in the city limits. The bear was spotted by a local resident's security camera, which captured images of the bear potentially attracted by fruit trees nearby. Meanwhile, multiple black bear sightings have also been reported in southern Illinois, with authorities confirming a male bear likely swimming across the Mississippi River from Missouri. The Illinois Conservation Police urge residents to keep their distance and avoid approaching the bear, as it is essential for its safety and the community's. Monroe County and St. Clair County have recently seen an uptick in bear activity, prompting local law enforcement to issue bear safety tips. As bears wander into populated areas, residents are reminded to secure food sources and remain calm if they encounter a bear.