Indiana Department of Natural Resources biologists have confirmed the presence of a wild black bear in northern Indiana today. The bear reportedly walked in from Michigan.

The DNR received reliable reports earlier in the week of the wandering bear near South Bend and was able to make confirmation after wildlife biologist Budd Veverka examined the waste material submitted.

“With black bears in some surrounding states, we were expecting a bear to show up eventually,” said Mitch Marcus, DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife section chief. “It’s quite unusual and exciting for a Michigan lakeshore black bear to move this far south. Michigan DNR officials have told us this is the southernmost black bear movement in more than a decade.”

Although there have occasionally been unconfirmed reports of bears in Indiana, this is the first verified presence of a bear in the state in more than 140 years.

Young black bears are known to disperse in the spring to seek new territory in which to settle.

“Indiana does not have a breeding population of black bears, and we expect this one to turn back north eventually,” stated Marcus.

The Indiana DNR encourages anyone to report bear sightings to [email protected] or by calling (812) 334-1137 during business hours. Photos or videos can be sent to the email address as well.

Source: Indiana DNR