The sheriff’s office is warning residents to not approach a black bear after it was spotted on the loose in a neighborhood near Antioch Saturday.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday evening that deputies were called to the 24100 block of West Deer Ridge Lane in unincorporated Antioch.
A bear was spotted on a home’s deck and roaming around the area.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was notified and is responding to the area.
The IDNR will attempt to locate the loose animal, tranquilize it and relocate it.
“Do not approach the bear!!” the sheriff’s office said, adding that anyone who spots it should call 911.
The bear sighting comes just days after a black bear was spotted running near Gurnee Mills mall in Gurnee.
The Gurnee Police Department said they received reports of the bear sighting around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday.
The bear was reported in the area of Hunt Club Road and Route 132 in Gurnee.
Officers responded and checked the area but the bear was not found.
A video taken by a motorist showed the bear crossing Westbrook Lane near Gurnee Mills Circle West at the Hunt Club KinderCare.
The daycare facility said in a message to parents that no one was in danger when the bear ran across their parking lot.
“We will keep an eye on the situation and update as we learn more,” KinderCare said.
It is unclear whether the bear spotted in Gurnee is the same one spotted near Antioch.
The IDNR recommends that anyone who sees a black bear should not run and not surprise the animal.
“Make noise to ensure that the bear is aware of your presence. A black bear is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped or provoked,” according to IDNR.
“Respect the bear’s space, and do not approach the animal. If the bear sees you, stand your ground; look as large as possible by standing up straight and putting your arms up in the air and slowly back away,” IDNR says.