By Mike Perleberg Photo by Greg Hume/Wikipedia. (Jefferson County, Ind.) - Hide your picnic baskets and honey. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says a black bear is trekking through southeast Indiana. It's not uncommon to come across black bears during a visit to the Smoky Mountains or Canada, but finding them in Indiana is rare. The DNR's Division of Fish & Wildlife reports that the black bear first confirmed near Corydon on July 17 continues to move through southern Indiana in a northeasterly direction. The most recent sighting was in Jefferson County in an area west of Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and Clifty Falls State Park. "The bear has shown no signs of being a threat to the public but instead is exhibiting behavior consistent with a young male black bear seeking a new home territory," says DNR spokesman Phil Bloom. A male black bear can grow to weigh up to 600 pounds, according to the National Wildlife Foundation. The DNR is encouraging citizens to avoid or minimize any conflicts with the bear by following these steps: Do not feed the bear intentionally or accidentally Remove trash cans from outside areas Remove birdfeeders Clean and store your grill Enjoy it from a distance Advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms and backing away slowly "And remember, never attempt to feed or attract bears – a fed bear is a dead bear," says Bloom.
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