There's a bear there
Jul. 7—For the first time in more than 150 years, a wild bear made its way into Daviess County. Indiana wildlife officials say the bear was spotted south of Cannelburg on July 2. Since then, they say the animal went back south into Pike County.
"We believe this bear made its way into Indiana from southern Illinois," said Nongame Mammologist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Brad Westrich. "We have been tracking it as it makes its way across southern Indiana."
The animal is believed to be a young male black bear weighing in around 250 lbs. Officials say they believe the animal is just looking to find food in an area where he does not have to compete with other bears.
"He will probably stay in the area as long as he can find suitable food and won't leave until the mating season hits and he returns to be with other bears," said Westrich.
Authorities say that so far, the bear has not caused much of a problem.
"He seems to have located a good bear habitat," said Westrich. "It's exciting to have a bear in the area. This was historically a good habitat for black bears and it is good to see that they are finding what they need to move back. For people it means we need to work on ways to live with bears and to be bear aware."
The first thing that is suggested is to make homes a place that a bear will not associate with a meal. That means locking lids on trash cans or keeping trash inside, emptying bird feeders, and cleaning the grill.
"Bears are not much threat to livestock, although they might take a calf if it is not with the herd," said Westrich. "The use of an electric fence can protect livestock. If you have beehives you should surround them with an electric fence."
In Daviess County a lot of people like to hunt, hike and fish in some of the more rural areas. That could lead to an unexpected close encounter of the bear kind.
"If you should happen upon a bear, you should make yourself seem as big as possible," said Westrich. "Raise your arms and if you have anything like a fishing pole raise it above your head. Bears are shy animals and don't normally interact with humans. You should yell, and if the bear still remains find something to throw at it. The two things you should not do is run or climb a tree. That will kick in the bear's hunting instinct."
Westrich says the best thing people can do right now is enjoy the bear from a distance and leave it alone.
"Bears are a large exciting species to see," he said. "We should be able to live with them if we take a few precautions."
InDNR requests people forward any bear sightings to their website at Report A Mammal. And for more tips on protecting your property from bears you can go to BearWise.org.
