DUBUQUE, Iowa — A small black bear wandered through campus at Clarke University overlooking downtown Dubuque. Although not everyday visitors, bears are not uncommon in eastern Iowa. Most this far south are young males that have been bullied away by older males Up North after hibernation. They drift alone south from Minnesota. More than 20 sightings have been reported this spring in southeast Minnesota counties— a few more than usual. A Minnesota state wildlife expert in Rochester,, Todd Proberg, said that humans and bears coexist easily. Be cautioned, however: Leave them unprovoked, especially while foraging for food from trash can to trash can. They don’t like being djsturbed at dinner
Earlier: Bear invasion? Numerous sightings in northeast Rochester
Caution: Don’t pet. Clarke students were advised to stay clear. Bears rarely attack if left to be. Even so, they have oversize jaws and five-inch to seven-inch claws, Alao: They can chase you faster than you can run.