And with good reason: according to a DNR density map, sightings in southeastern Wisconsin are virtually nonexistent.īut the Franklin sighting was the second in just a few days. He said he wasn't afraid, just surprised. But Marco says the bear he saw was smaller, shorter than him. In a statement Franklin PD said, 'the area was checked by police but we were unable to locate the bear.' They also said DNR was made aware.ĭNR statistics show male black bears can weigh up to 550 pounds, and females can reach 375 pounds. The bear crossed Ryan Road and went into a natural area near the Milwaukee County Parks Sports Complex.Īt roughly the same time, another person called Franklin police. Lopez said, 'Maybe people would say I didn't see the bear, 'you are crazy. He took his phone out and shot video for friends and family. Tuesday on Ryan Road when he saw something moving near the trees. Marco Lopez was driving to work at 5 a.m. And the state DNR says the bear population has been expanding south. The state of Wisconsin's black bear population is roughly 24,000 right now, much higher than 30 years ago. A bear was also seen in Wheatland in Kenosha County over the weekend. The bear sighting is the second from the past few days. SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN (CBS 58) - People in the Franklin area are advised to be careful after a black bear was spotted near 60 th and Ryan Road Tuesday morning. Grants boost women, minority-owned businesses at Summerfest
