Statewide Iowa — An expert at the Iowa DNR says the strong populations of black bears in neighboring states will likely lead to the animals reestablishing in Iowa. Wildlife research biologist Vince Evelsizer says bears have been strictly tourists dropping in for a visit from Minnesota and Wisconsin — but conditions are right for bears to settle down here.
There have been 43 confirmed black bears in Iowa since 2002, and two to five per year since 2014. Evelsizer says they start showing up in late spring and into July when they are mating, and those sightings are likely to increase.
He says bears were hunted to extinction in Iowa. The black bear population in Wisconsin is estimated at close to 30-thousand, Minnesota has around 15-thousand, and Missouri around one-thousand. Evelsizer says those states have worked ways to deal with the animals.
He says there are always mixed reactions when you have changes.
As a biologist, Evelsizer likes seeing a species that was once prominent return to the state.
Evelsizer says you can send the DNR information if you spot a bear.
He says avoid having people crowd around the animal and don’t try to get too close. If you encounter a bear he advises you not to run, but to back away slowly and cautiously while facing it. Make noise so they know you’re there. Evelsizer says a good resource on bears is www.bearwise.org.
Photo courtesy Iowa DNR – Photo taken near Cresco, Iowa.
