SURPRISING STUFF

Another bear sighting caught on camera just outside the Lake Geneva city limits over the weekend.
The bear was seen near Grand Geneva roaming in a couple of back yards. No one was hurt, just shocked and scared. This is becoming more common in the area. A few days prior to this sighting a bear was spotted in the Gurnee Illinois and then Antioch Illinois. There has been reported bear sightings even closer recently one in Burlington, Elkhorn, Como, Mukwonago, Oconomowoc, Eagle, and Dousman. Southeast Wisconsin seems to be full of bears. The majority of the bear population is in the northern half of the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Recourses estimates the state has more than 24,000 bears and the population continues to grow and believe they are making their way south.

One theory for the sightings is younger bears will generally avoid older bear’s territory and that is one reason this area is seeing bears. Another factor might have to do with more agricultural land transitioning into more wooded land making it an ideal habitat for bears. Whatever the reason, the risk they pose to people is low as long as the bear is not antagonized or cornered. The DNR recommends removing attractants like pet food, home waste, bird feeders and grills. If people have issues with bears, they can contact the USDA Wildlife Services office in Sun Prairie at 608-837-2727.

Place of the Week

Mars Resort, that oh so wonderful watering hold and restaurant along Highway 50 to the west of Lake Geneva at Lake Como.