Pike County residents got a visitor from the north this weekend. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is alerting residents in Barry of a black bear traveling through the region. He was helped across Interstate 72 outside of Barry on Sunday night by Conservation Police and IDNR staff. IDNR has been watching the bear travel through the state since it crossed from Wisconsin back on June 10th.
IDNR is asking the public to please leave the bear alone, as it is likely searching for a mate and for food. IDNR warns people to stay off of private property if they are trying to get a picture, and to not crowd the bear to stay safe. IDNR expects the bear to cross back north to Wisconsin when fall weather begins.
