EVANSVILLE, IL – Authorities in Southern Illinois are reporting a black bear was spotted in Randolph County over the weekend, and they’re asking the public to not approach the animal.

According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, they were notified of a possible bear sighting a couple miles south of Evansville, IL.

An investigation into the report determined, and verified, the bear sighting was valid.

The sheriff’s office said the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is aware of the sighting and said they have been in contact with a wildlife biologist.