COLUMBIA, Ill. — Police shared on social media that a bear had been spotted in Columbia, Illinois, Sunday.
The black bear was seen near Croatia Drive outside of town and in city limits in the wooded area behind Oak Tree Drive.
Illinois State Police and the conservation police had been notified. They said there was an increase of black bear sightings in southern Illinois and Missouri.
Officials asked that people stay away from the animal and do not feed it.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Department shared additional tips, including keeping garbage secure so you don't attract bears to your property.
Officials asked that people report bear sightings to local authorities.
