ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were over 20 recorded sightings in southeastern Minnesota,\u201d Rochester Area Wildlife Supervisor Todd Proberg said. \u201cIt seems to be there\u2019s a few more this year than there has been in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the DNR, black bears tend to be spotted near river valleys. However, Proberg said this year\u2019s sightings have been widespread around the southern part of the state.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe population may be increasing in southeastern Minnesota,\u201d he said. \u201cThe state of Minnesota is historically bear country.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cProbably a lot of these bears are male bears, and they have a pretty big home range,\u201d Proberg said. \u201cTake that food source away and then they move on.\u201d<\/p>\n