The bear population continues to grow in Southern Wisconsin.
Greg Matthews of the DNR says there have been 140 bear sightings in the region since March. He admits some of those may be multiple reports of the same bear in the area. Still, Matthews says residents should be prepared to see more of them.
The estimated bear population in the state 20 years ago was about 9,000. Now, it’s between 26 and 40,000.
While most bears are still in the north, Matthews says they’re making their way downstate. Some have been spotted in Sauk and Dane Counties this year.
AUDIO: Greg Matthews, DNR (:12)