While they may not be trying to steal your porridge, bears are becoming a more common sight in Kansas.

 

 Experts with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks says sightings of black bears in Kansas are becoming more common.

 

Since 2015, there have been ten confirmed sightings of black bears in the Sunflower State. Such sightings have happened from time to time in southwest Kansas, but over the past twenty years, the sightings have become more common in the southeast part of the state.

 

Researchers from Fort Hays State University say the two counties in the state with the most sightings are Crawford with seven and Cherokee with five.

 

Other southeast Kansas counties with confirmed sightings include Labette with two sighting and Chautauqua with one.

 

Authorities says there is no indication that there are any bears living full time in Kansas.