Black Bear Sightings Reported in Indiana Despite Said Extinction

Photo byMichael AnfangonUnsplash

FORT WAYNE, IN - Black bears (Ursus americanus) were once a common sight across Indiana, except in the northwest prairies.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, however, due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss, black bears were extirpated from the state by 1850, along with much of the Midwest.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, today, black bear populations are making a slow comeback, with sightings becoming more frequent as they migrate from established populations in neighboring states.

In recent years, Indiana has confirmed four black bear sightings: one each in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2021.

These bears are typically black with a tan muzzle, though their coloration can vary to brown or cinnamon in western regions.

Male black bears usually weigh between 150-400 pounds, while females range from 100-250 pounds. Despite their size and strength, black bears are generally timid and not aggressive toward people, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

As black bear sightings continue, it is important for residents to be aware of their presence and to understand that these animals are protected under Indiana law.