Black Bear Spotted At Clark/Scott County Line

Last updated on Monday, August 1, 2016

(CLARK CO.) - The black bear spotted in Indiana on July 18 has returned.

The DNR posted on their Facebook page that the bear was spotted on the Clark and Scott county line.

Previously, the bear was spotted in Corydon, Ind.

The bear likely swam across the Ohio River from Kentucky, which has a growing population of the species, according to DNR. Conservation officers will monitor it to determine if the animal should be trapped and relocated or left alone.

Bears in Indiana are extremely rare. One crossed from Michigan into Indiana in June 2015, becoming the first confirmed bear sighting in the Hoosier State since 1850. It was euthanized in April after wandering northern Indiana and southwest Michigan for months.

DNR officials say it's possible black bears will re-establish populations in southern Indiana.

Black bears are shy by nature and tend to avoid human contact. Attacks are rare. Black bears are non-aggressive in most instances and prefer fleeing from humans when given the chance.

DNR wildlife biologists offer the following bear awareness tips:

Don't intentionally feed bears. If a bear becomes accustomed to finding food near your home, it may become a "problem" bear.

Eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed.

Clean and store grills away after use.

Don't leave pet food outside overnight.

Remove bird feeders and bird food from late March through November.

Don't add meat or sweets to a compost pile.

If encountering a bear, don't run. Shout, wave your arms and back away slowly.

Collect and remove low-hanging or fallen fruit from fruit trees.

Eliminate meat, cooking oil, fish or fruit odors from near your home. This includes fish-meal fertilizers.

Collect and remove any ripened vegetables from your garden.
Indiana DNR encourages citizens to report bear sightings to dfwinput@dnr.IN.gov or by calling (812) 334-1137 during regular business hours. Photos or videos can be sent to the same email address. The maximum file size is 15 MB.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

Click here to go back to previous page