By Mike Perleberg
(Jefferson County, Ind.) - A deer hunter had a unique experience when not a whitetail deer, but a black bear rambled up to the tree he was perched in. Alan Smithson, of Farmland, Indiana, was hunting at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge as part of a special permitted deer hunt. He was up in his tree stand mounted several feet above ground when the black bear, apparently smelling Smithson's pastry, steps closer and closer. Smithson began to film the encounter. The video was posted to Facebook by Smithson and Big Oaks on Wednesday night. It has already gained more than 24,000 views. Toward the end of the video, it appears the bear attempts to climb the tree. Smithson scares him off with a growl of his own. A black bear is a rare site in the Hoosier state. The male bear seen in the video is likely the same one that has been journeying through southeastern Indiana in recent months. It was first spotted near Corydon, Indiana on July 17 and made its way to the Big Oaks and Jefferson Proving Ground area in August. RELATED STORIES: Black Bear May Be Moving Toward Ripley Co. Black Bear Moving Through Southeast Indiana
Ohio River Way Celebrates Launch of Historic Restoration Plan
Volunteers Needed for Litter Clean-up on Cole Lane Hill
OCCF Announces Annual Celebration Grant
Online Academy Offers Flexible, High-Quality Learning for Grades 6–12
Dr. Leslie Baker Memorial Scholarships Available to Medical Students
KSP Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting in Carroll County
