Hunter
12/30/24
An expert with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says a species that was hunted to extinction in the mid 1800’s could be making a comeback in the state.
KCRG TV reports DNR furbearer biologist Vince Evelsizer says black bears could make Iowa its permanent home within the next five years.
He says that researchers in Wisconsin and Minnesota are seeing a slow, southward expansion of their black bear range, which gets them pretty close to northeast Iowa.
Evelsizer thinks it could be feasible for Iowa to have bear cubs in the next five years.
DNR confirms at least three sightings of black bears in Dubuque County this year with a few unconfirmed reports of the animals this month.
If black bears start taking up residence here, Iowans should take a few precautions, including making food on your property harder to get to. The main thing is to use common sense and give the bear its space. Evelsizer says to not try to get too close to it. He said, “That’s not good for the bear, or you.”