In the last week several local residents claim to have seen a black bear wondering around some abandoned buildings at the edge of town at evening, dawn, and predawn. I have not seen it. I have seen a few mountain lions or maybe the same one multiple times up the hill from where I live this past summer, but now a bear?? Is this possible? I know with the crazy winter we are having (after the crazy hot and dry summer) typical animal patterns have changed. But still, a black bear?? I do believe the sources to be reliable and not mistaking it for a dog. Is there something else it could be? Everyone has described it to be about 2.5 to 3.5 foot tall with a stubby tail. It was on all fours. If a black bear is what everyone has seen, what is the best thing to do? I would report it to the IDNR if I had personally seen it, but I haven't.
