Black Bear Sightings Reported in Iowa Despite Said Extinction

Photo byPete NuijonUnsplash

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Despite black bears being extinct in Iowa for over a century, recent years have seen an increase in sightings, particularly in the northeastern part of the state.

This trend has become an annual occurrence since 2014, with bears wandering down from neighboring Minnesota and Wisconsin, especially during the spring breeding season.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa's habitat, particularly in the northeast, east, and southern regions, could potentially support a small population of black bears.

As populations in neighboring states like Wisconsin and Minnesota grow, experts believe that a breeding population might establish itself in Iowa within the next few years.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, black bears were once native to Iowa, but they disappeared from the state over 100 years ago. Unlike other Midwestern states, Iowa's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lacks legal authority to manage black bear populations since the species was not present when current wildlife laws were established.

However, the DNR has developed a bear response protocol to address any human-bear conflicts that may arise.

Since 2002, there have been 49 confirmed black bear sightings in Iowa, with two to five sightings annually since 2014. While the chances of encountering a bear remain small, Iowans are encouraged to be aware of the possibility, especially during late May to early July when bear activity increases, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

For those who may encounter a bear, experts advise avoiding running away. Instead, back away slowly while making noise to alert the bear to your presence. As black bears continue to be a rare but growing presence in Iowa, understanding and adapting to these new neighbors will be key to minimizing conflicts.