Wandering Black Bear Could Be Headed Back To Wisconsin
(CBS) -- A black bear that has been spotted wandering around the far western suburbs could be making its way back north.
WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports the male bear was spotted Friday around Sycamore, then on Saturday was sighted west and north, near Rochelle.
Chris Young, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said it appears the bear is making a loop -- down from Wisconsin; through Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle counties; then apparently back northwest.
"It's heading west. Looks like it's headed towards some wooded or riverbank habitats," he said. "That's good. Maybe it's finding some habitat to get into that'll take it possibly to one of the river systems, where it can find its way back home."
Young said the bear likely is hunting for food, habitat, and companionship; though is unlikely to find a mate in Illinois, as black bears are rare here, and this one is the only black bear known to be south of the Wisconsin state line.