FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. (WHAS11) — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a black bear sighting after a car accident on I-64 in Floyd County, Ind.
The City of New Albany Government Facebook page said, "Multiple, Independent eyewitnesses, including police officers, have determined that the vehicle struck a black bear."
According to a press release, the incident happened around 8 p.m on Sunday near mile marker 121. After speaking to the driver of the vehicle and at least one other witness, officers searched the area for the bear. However, the search was limited due to the darkness and dangerous terrain of the area. The DNR said after the bear was hit it wandered into heavy brush.
While the car was damaged, no one in the car sustained any injuries.
“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.”
Officers will continue to check the area on Monday. The City of New Albany posted to Facebook that DNR is working to safely track the bear and it was last spotted just outside New Albany.
If you see a bear seek safety and call law enforcement.
Residents in the area are asked to do the following to remain safe:
-Remove trash cans from the outside
-Temporarily remove bird feeders
-Do not feed the bear
-Clean and store your grill inside
-Do not follow/harass the bear
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.
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