Several citizens reported seeing a single black bear Friday morning on the northwest side of Rockford. More specifically, in the area of Searles Avenue and Halsted Avenue. Both the Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department have received reports.
According to a news release from Rockford police, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources advises that the Black Bear can only be taken when there is "an imminent threat to lives and property."
The release says citizens can avoid encounters with wildlife by securing potential food sources, including pet food, barbecue grills, trash and other sources. Bird feeds can be taken down temporarily in the event of sightings.