First, it was coyotes. Now, black bears and armadillos are the latest surprise guests appearing across Illinois. Residents are being urged to keep their distance. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) emphasizes that residents should not attempt to feed, interact with, or photograph the animals up close.
According to the IDNR, black bear sightings have increased in recent months, with one bear seen roaming through Genoa, Sycamore, and DeKalb. Meanwhile, nine-banded armadillos, typically found in the southern U.S., are now being spotted in northern and central Illinois, including suburban Chicago.
Why are these animals showing up here?…