Black bear sightings are becoming more common in northeast Iowa, with several bears currently in Dubuque County.
The Dubuque City Council passed an ordinance Monday against feeding or harassing bears. During the discussion, Ross Ellingson with the DNR said the idea is to take away the things that lure the bear in.
Ellingson said bears are becoming more prevalent in Iowa due to the large populations of black bears in neighboring states. Dubuque County Conservation executive director Brian Preston says there are at least four bears in the county and one bear that now lives near Dubuque.
Preston said they are trying to emphasize that feeding the bears is not a good thing.
People who feed the bears in Dubuque could face a fine of up to 750 dollars. The ordinance could also require a resident to take down a bird feeder to deter bears.
Residents are advised to stay away from bears and not follow them to try and get a picture or video. Harassing bears to get them to go away is not allowed under the ordinance, as the expert said that could lead to more unwanted interaction with the bears.
story courtesy of Radio Iowa