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Rising Black Bear Sightings Prompt Safety Alerts in Iowa

5/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

As young male black bears wander into northeast Iowa from Minnesota and Wisconsin, sightings are on the rise. The Iowa DNR urges residents to secure food and keep a safe distance. Although bear sightings usually surge in late spring, Iowa still lacks a breeding population, a stark reminder of the bears' historical absence since the late 1800s.

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Story summary

As young male black bears wander into northeast Iowa from Minnesota and Wisconsin, sightings are on the rise. The Iowa DNR urges residents to secure food and keep a safe distance. Although bear sightings usually surge in late spring, Iowa still lacks a breeding population, a stark reminder of the bears' historical absence since the late 1800s.