ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – In the past few months, several sightings of black bears in southern Minnesota came to light on social media. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed there has been more cases of spotting these animals throughout this year.
“There were over 20 recorded sightings in southeastern Minnesota,” Rochester Area Wildlife Supervisor Todd Proberg said. “It seems to be there’s a few more this year than there has been in the past.”
According to the DNR, black bears tend to be spotted near river valleys. However, Proberg said this year’s sightings have been widespread around the southern part of the state.
“The population may be increasing in southeastern Minnesota,” he said. “The state of Minnesota is historically bear country.”
Proberg said black bears in general are not dangerous. To prevent attracting these animals onto your property, he recommended keeping away trash, food scraps and pet food.
“Probably a lot of these bears are male bears, and they have a pretty big home range,” Proberg said. “Take that food source away and then they move on.”
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