Waukesha County bear sightings becoming less unusual

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A number of folks in Waukesha County have reported bear sightings in the last couple days during the night, and the DNR said it's becoming less unusual.

A couple days ago, a resident in Waukesha County captured a bear passing through her front yard at night near Highway 164 and National Avenue.

According to the DNR, they've received multiple calls from residents claiming they've seen bears in and around their neighborhoods.

Kelsey Norton, wildlife biologist for Waukesha County, said bear sightings have become more frequent in the southern part of the state.

"We just have a lot of bears in Wisconsin, we believe that the entire population is increasing with the increasing population, we just have bears trying to find new territory so they're traveling throughout the state trying to establish that territory," said Norton.

If the bears become a nuisance for residents, Norton recommends getting rid of any trails of food. She said to move or get rid of bird feeders and garbage.