Why doesn't Illinois have a black bear population?

Illinois is gearing up for a re-emergence of black bears, but wildlife experts say it's unlikely the animals will roam Chicago-area streets any time soon.The number of ... In Illinois, there is no black bear population but there have been three bears sighted in the state since February 2009. read more

In Illinois, there is no black bear population but there have been three bears sighted in the state since February 2009. "As people have a better attitude toward them, they're more willing to coexist with them and that's letting the population grow and spread," Rogers said. read more