Story perspectives

Black Bear Roams Slinger Backyards as Wisconsin Bears Move South

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

A black bear entered backyards in Slinger, Wisconsin, at about 5:30 a.m. on June 2, 2026.
Residents Holly Nowak and Deb Dierbeck saw the bear near State 60 while police warned not to approach it.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports the state hosts 24,000-25,000 black bears, primarily in the north, but they are moving south.
Carnivore specialist Randy Johnson said southeastern Wisconsin is not typical bear country, yet sightings are increasing.

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Story summary

A black bear entered backyards in Slinger, Wisconsin, at about 5:30 a.m. on June 2, 2026.
Residents Holly Nowak and Deb Dierbeck saw the bear near State 60 while police warned not to approach it.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports the state hosts 24,000-25,000 black bears, primarily in the north, but they are moving south.
Carnivore specialist Randy Johnson said southeastern Wisconsin is not typical bear country, yet sightings are increasing.