At least two residents near Carmi have spotted a bear roaming around.
It was spotted near Springerton and again near Centerville.
Wildlife officials say it was first spotted June 10 in Monroe County, near St. Louis, and has been sighted near Rend Lake.
Wildlife officials said Illinois does not have an active breeding bear population, but neighboring states do.
They said it’s not uncommon to see them cross into Illinois in search of food and potential mates.
A few years ago, a bear was hit by a car as it crossed Interstate 64 in southern Indiana.
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