Troopers Help Rare Black Bear Cross Interstate 72 in Western Illinois

The Pike County Illinois Sheriff’s Department slowed traffic and warned motorists to help a rare black bear make its way safely across Interstate 72 in western Illinois on June 29, local media reported.

According to local media, there are no known black bear populations in Illinois, and the bear has wandered down from northwestern Wisconsin.

Nicknamed Bruno by the police department, the bear had previously been spotted in western Illinois south of Quad Cities, prompting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to tell the public to “leave the bear alone.”

The IDNR urged the public to stay away in a statement on Facebook.

“Please watch for Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officers and IDNR staff as they help the black bear cross the interstate via the county highway overpass,” the statement said.

“We know many of you want to get a glimpse or picture of him yourselves, but please remember to stay off private property and not to crowd the bear. Giving him plenty of room helps keep him, our staff, officers and the public safe,” the IDNR statement said.

“As a wild animal, this bear is used to finding food and water on his own,” said the IDNR. “Still, we know many of you are concerned with his health and we’ve reached out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their help in ensuring he stays safe and can finish his trip through Illinois.” Credit: Pike County Sheriff’s Department via Storyful