Wisconsin black bear sightings booming

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wildlife officials says bear sightings are way up in Wisconsin.

Typically, black bear sightings increase during the spring and early summer, but DNR conversation warden Paul Nadolski tells WMTV-TV in Madison that they're receiving more calls than normal about bears in south and southwestern Wisconsin.

Wildlife officials say the bears haven't been aggressive so far this year, but have been coming into urban areas to get at food left outside, greasy patio grills or bird feeders.

Bears have also been spotted in Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo and Mauston just over the last week.

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers are studying why the bear population continues to grow farther south each year.

Information from: WMTV-TV, http://www.nbc15.com

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