Black bear hit by car in southern Indiana

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WISH) — A black bear was injured Sunday night when a car hit it in southern Indiana, the Department of Natural Resources reported. 

Wildlife biologists with the department determined Monday afternoon that the animal was a black bear, which was injured and wandered into heavy brush after the accident, the DNR said. 

“It’s unfortunate and unusual for a bear to be hit on an Indiana roadway,” said Brad Westrich, DNR mammalogist, “but bear sightings are nothing to be alarmed about. As bear populations expand in neighboring states, it’s only natural that they become more common here.”

The DNR says black bears are rarely aggressive toward humans. 

Officers with the New Albany Police Department investigated the vehicle accident, the DNR said. 

What to do when you see a black bear 

The department on Monday offered these suggestions for what to do if you see a black bear: 

• Enjoy it from a distance.
• Never attempt to feed or attract bears.
• Do not climb a tree.
• Advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms and backing slowly away.
• Report bear sightings to the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife at 812-334-1137, through email at dfw@dnr.IN.gov, or wildlife.IN.gov/8497.htm.

‘A fed bear becomes a dead bear’

According to the DNR, most negative interactions between humans and bears stem from food sources. Bears can smell food from more than a mile away, so the department encourages people to secure any food sources near you. And don’t feed bears. 

The DNR provided some do’s and don’ts to keep humans AND bears safe: 

• Do remove bird feeders and bird food from late March through November.
• Do clean and store grills away after use.
• Do eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed.
• Do pick ripe fruits and vegetable as soon as possible, or place an electric fence around them, to ensure bear cannot reach them.
• Don’t intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become “problem” bears.
• Don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
• Don’t add meat or sweets to a compost pile.
• Don’t climb a tree, but wait in a vehicle or building for the bear to leave the area.