Haindfeld tells Decorah Lions that black bear sightings are becoming more common

(Left to right): Iowa DNR Wildlife Specialist Terry Haindfield and Decorah Lions Vice-President Karl Hendricksen

Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist Terry Haindfield has told members of the Decorah Lions that black bears have been sighted recently in Northeast Iowa.  Hainfeld says a black bear was seen about five miles east of Decorah by a group of deer hunters in December.  In 2009, a bear made a journey into Allamakee County, through southeastern Winneshiek County, passed Dubuque, crossed the Mississippi near Savannah then traveled north, ending up near Baraboo, Wisconsin.

On the other hand, Haindfield says most cougar sightings have proven to be unfounded, usually some other type of animal.  Wildlife specialists do believe, however, that there may be as many as four mountain lions in the state at any one time.  Most of the cougars and bears which are observed in Iowa are young males which are dispersing into new territories from South Dakota or Wisconsin.

The Iowa DNR has been sampling deer for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) for several years. and has not had a positive test to date.  Missouri reported a case recently.  This means that every state surrounding Iowa has confirmed CWD in their wild deer herd.

Haindfield also discussed pheasant, turkey and ruffed grouse populations and the habitat requirements of these birds. He noted that in 1980 there were five trouts streams in Iowa in which natural reproduction of trout was occurring, there are now 36 streams with natural reproduction.

There will be a meeting on Tuesday, March 6th, to provide an opportunity for interested people to share their views on next fall's hunting seasons.  Eliminating the Thanksgiving and January antlerless deer seasons has been proposed.