Black Bear Near Austin Brings Southeast MN Sightings To Over 20

While we don't have to walk around with whistles or bear spray in Southeast Minnesota, black bears are being spotted this spring quite a bit. In fact, the list of sightings in our area has grown over the past two weeks.

Below is an updated list of bear sightings in Southeast Minnesota, including the latest that happened near Austin by Ramsey Dam.

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What Year Did Minnesota Have Peak Population Of Black Bears?

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the years 2000 to 2003 were the peak population for black bears in our state. A significant drop occurred, which led to 2012 being the lowest population of black bears in Minnesota.

2026 Map of Bear Sightings in Minnesota

"Minnesota is bear country" - Andrew Tri, DNR biologist

While most of the black bears in our state are primarily up north, throughout the years, some have migrated to other areas of the state, including near Rochester.

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Today, Minnesota is home to about 13,000 to 18,000 black bears. In 2026, several sightings have happened throughout the state, including in Southern Minnesota.

Now that the black bears are waking up from their hibernation, we are seeing an increased number of black bears in our state. To help understand the areas where black bears are now living, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources developed an online site where black bear sightings can be added.

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From May 20th, 2026 - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Over 20+ Black Bear Sightings in Southeast Minnesota in 2026

Based on the data collected on the MN DNR "Report a Bear Sighting" page, the following sightings have occurred in Southeast Minnesota so far in 2026. It is unknown if some of these sightings are of the same black bear. A few cubs have been spotted, and those are noted below.

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, MN

See all of the bear sightings on the MN DNR map here.

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How To Report a Bear Sighting in Minnesota

If you happen to see a black bear in Minnesota outside of the primary area, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources would love your help tracking those sightings.

If you see a bear, please submit it to the "Report a Bear Sighting" page on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.

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