Wild Bear Sightings Are Way Up All Over Minnesota

From Rochester and Albert Lea in the south through Minneapolis / St. Paul up to Duluth and other points north, Black bear sightings are surging across Minnesota.

The state's black bear population is estimated at between 13,000 and 18,000, and their traditional northern range is expanding south and westward in Minnesota.

2026 Minnesota Bear Sighting From Minnesota DNR

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources notes that bear ranges have been expanding over the last 20 years.

Minnesota residents are reporting more wild bear sightings than usual this year, with black bears showing up in neighborhoods, parks, campgrounds, and even suburban backyards.

According to Y105FM there have been over 20 Black Bear Sightings in Southeast Minnesota so far in 2026.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reporting these 2026 bear sightings in the southern parts of the state:

• 3.10.26 - near New Hartford, MN
• 3.21.26 - near Hwy 247 just east of Plainview, MN
• 3.31.26 - just north of Albert Lea, MN and south of Clarks Grove
• 3.31.26 - near Seven Springs Wildlife Management Area in SE Minnesota
• 4.26.26 - near Chatfield, MN
• 5.2.26 - west of Faribault
• 5.3.26 - near Owatonna, MN by Rose St.
• 5.5.26 - near Claremont, MN
• 5.6.26 - black bear and cub spotted near New Beginnings Church in Owatonna, MN
• 5.9.26 - Owatonna, MN by Walker Dr.
• 5.9.26 - south side of Kenyon, MN
• 5.9.26 - near Highway 60 Blvd and Goodhue Ave. in Kenyon, MN
• 5.10.26 - north side of Kenyon, MN
• 5.11.26 - east of Faribault near Davis Ave
• 5.13.26 - one cub and one bear near Brand Ave. in Faribault, MN
• 5.20.26 - near 49th Ave. in Goodview, MN
• 5.24.26 - near 290th Ave. near Bluff Valley Campgrounds in Zumbro Falls, MN
• 5.27.26 - near Robinson Lake Dr and 166th Ave in Wabasha, MN
• 5.28.26 - near Hwy 14 and Highway 56 to the West of Dodge Center, MN
• 5.30.26 - cub spotted near 80th Ave. SE North of Hwy 30
• 5.31.26 - near 610th Ave. and 220th Street East of Austin, MN
• 5.31.26 - near Hormel Corporation/Wolf Creek in Austin, MN
• 5.31.26 - near 14th St NE near 16th Ave. NE in Austin, MN
• 5.31.26 - 2 sightings near Wolf Creek and Todd Park Rd in Austin, MN
• 5.31.26 - near 546th Ave. and 245th Street near the Cedar River by Austin, M

Wildlife experts say several factors may be contributing to the increase, including changes in food availability, growing bear populations in some regions, and bears expanding their search for easy meals.

Many sightings have been reported in areas where bears are not commonly seen, surprising homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Bird feeders, pet food, garbage containers, and fruit trees can attract curious bears looking for a quick source of calories.

As a result, wildlife officials are encouraging residents to remove potential attractants and secure trash whenever possible.

While seeing a bear can be exciting, experts remind the public that bears are generally wild animals that should be observed from a safe distance.

Most black bears avoid human contact and will move on if they do not find food.

However, approaching a bear or attempting to feed one can create dangerous situations for both people and wildlife.