Indiana Officials Trying To Trap And Relocate Wandering Black Bear
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Indiana state officials have set a trap to catch a black bear that has been wandering around the Michigan City area for the past month, and if they catch him, they plan to take him back home to Michigan.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said the bear has become habituated, repeatedly visiting the same places; eating from garbage cans, bird feeders, beehives, and – on at least one occasion – food intentionally left out for him.
It seems the last straw was when the bear walked onto a porch, and stood against a sliding glass door, as though he wanted to get inside.
Indiana DNR research biologist Budd Veverka said the bear is a wild animal, and they want him to stay that way, but he's now associating food with people, and that could be dangerous.
"The more times we have where people are putting food out, the bear is more apt to associate food with people; especially really good meals, you know, whether it's leaving out food, or fruit, or donuts, or anything like that. We don't want you to be doing that," he said.
Veverka said people should avoid contact with the bear.
"We're trying to get this bear out of there, and we don't want people to approach this bear. If the bear's in your yard, and you're inside, don't go outside with the bear. Best is to call the conservation officer, or the sheriff's department," he said.
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He also had some advice for anyone who might spot the bear while they're outside.
"If you do come in contact with the bear, make yourself as large as possible, raise your arms, and yell at the bear, like when a dog comes in your yard: 'Get out of here!'" he said.
Veverka also advised people in the area not to leave garbage outside; put it in the garage. He also suggested not filling bird feeders, and putting grills inside.
Officials said negative interactions between humans and the bear have increased, potentially compromising the safety of both.
