Police respond after bear spotted running around near Gurnee Mills mall in Gurnee
Multiple people called police after a bear was spotted running near Gurnee Mills mall in Gurnee Wednesday morning but officers were unable to locate the animal.
The Gurnee Police Department received reports of a possible bear sighting around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday.
The bear was reported in the area of Hunt Club Road and Route 132 in Gurnee.
Officers responded and checked the area but the bear was not found.
Police officials said residents who spot the bear should not approach the animal.
A video taken by a motorist showed the bear crossing Westbrook Lane near Gurnee Mills Circle West at the Hunt Club KinderCare.
The daycare facility said in a message to parents that no one was in danger when the bear ran across their parking lot.
“We will keep an eye on the situation and update as we learn more,” KinderCare said.
Anyone who sees the bear should call the Gurnee Police Department dispatch center at 847-599-7000, extension 0.
The department said they will work with local wildlife authorities to respond to the area if it is spotted again.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recommends that anyone who sees a black bear should not run and not surprise the animal.
“Make noise to ensure that the bear is aware of your presence. A black bear is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped or provoked,” according to IDNR.
“Respect the bear’s space, and do not approach the animal. If the bear sees you, stand your ground; look as large as possible by standing up straight and putting your arms up in the air and slowly back away,” IDNR says.
Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner
