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If you're planning to hike or explore Illinois's beautiful natural areas, it's important to be prepared for potential encounters with black bears
Being aware of your surroundings and staying alert
To make noise to alert bears of your presence, and avoid hiking alone
Keep a safe distance from bears and never approach them
If you do encounter a bear, remain calm, back away slowly, and do not run or turn your back on the bear
In Illinois, black bears have been found to prefer densely wooded areas with a mix of hard and softwood trees. Such as oak-hickory and mixed mesophytic forests
These habitats provide a variety of food sources, including nuts, acorns, berries, insects, and small mammals
Wetlands, particularly those with marshy areas and cattails, also provide a source of food for bears. This also includes fish, amphibians, and reptiles