Please Bear with the Bear

9:30 p.m., June 13, 2024 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Dubuque County Conservation, and City of Dubuque Police Department are aware of and are tracking a bear that has been traveling through the city of Dubuque today.  The bear has been traveling south, and is expected to leave the Dubuque area by morning, if left alone.

This is not the same bear that was seen in northern Dubuque County and the Dubuque area over the past two years. It is critical that people give the bear space, leave it alone, and do NOT attempt to photograph the bear.  Do not go near the bear or gather around or approach it in any way. Interaction with the bear can be dangerous for people and the bear. 

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining public safety and bear safety.

“BEAR AWARE” BACKGROUND FROM IDNR & DUBUQUE COUNTY CONSERVATION:

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates that Iowa may have 1 – 5 black bears this spring with most being in the northeastern part of the state. 

It is imperative that residents remove bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste. This is the best thing we can do for the bear’s sake.

In the spring, black bears are on a mission to find food. Keeping areas free of attractants and letting bears find natural foods is in everyone’s best interest. If you see a bear, let the animal be and enjoy the sighting, but be sure to not offer it any food.

Food is usually a bear’s main motivator, but that also means it can be a main source of conflict. The Iowa DNR offers the following tips to avoid attracting black bears to possible food sources:

· Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside a secure building or in a bear-proof container until trash pick-up day.

· Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside.

· Don’t leave pet food outside. Feed pets a portion at each meal and remove the empty containers.

· Refrain from using birdfeeders in areas that a bear may be from April through June. If in use, hang them at least 10 feet high and 4 feet away from any structure. Keep in mind that even if a bear cannot get to the birdseed, the scent could still attract it to the area.

· Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources.

· Keep campsites clean and store all food, toiletries and trash in a secure vehicle or strung high between two trees. Do not keep food or toiletries in a tent, and do not burn or bury garbage or food waste.

While black bears are generally a shy, non-aggressive species and bear attacks are rare, the Iowa DNR offers these tips when outdoors in bear country:

· Make noise, such as clapping, singing or talking loudly, while hiking to prevent surprising a bear.

· Travel in a group if possible.

· Keep dogs leashed.

· Be aware of the surroundings. If there is evidence of a bear, such as tracks or scat, avoid the area.

· Leave bears alone! Do not approach them, and make sure they have an escape route.

This message isn’t meant to scare people away from enjoying the outdoors. Quite the opposite, it’s a great time to be outdoors!  We can co-exist fine with black bears, many other states already do so. It just takes a little getting used to for all of us. If we all work together to reduce potential food sources around town, the odds of the bear spending time outside of town go up. 

For more information on living with bears: www.bearwise.org 

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MEDIA CONTACT
Ross Ellingson, Wildlife Depredation Biologist
IDNR Wildlife Bureau
18670 63rd St, Maquoketa, IA 52060
Mobile 563-929-6001
ross.ellingson@dnr.iowa.gov