Sheriff’s officials say the Department of Natural Resources does not want to tranquilize and relocate a black bear after it was spotted roaming in a neighborhood near Antioch.
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 resident captured photos of it.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) was notified and is in communication with the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office initially said IDNR would attempt to locate the loose animal, tranquilize it and relocate it.
In an update, sheriff’s officials said IDNR does not want to drug or relocate the bear.
“Large visitors like the bear are becoming more common. We don’t want the public to panic. We want them to be educated about our visitors and act accordingly,” the sheriff’s office said.
“If a situation arises that the bear needs to be drugged and removed the Department will work with Federal USDA Wildlife Services to accomplish that task,” the office added.
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 or 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.