Black bear spotted in LaPorte County

 The black bear traveling through St. Joseph County, Indiana from Michigan has made its way into LaPorte County.

According to Michigan City Police, the bear was spotted around U.S. Highway 20 and Meer Road, near Springville, on Monday.

The Department of Natural Resources believe the black bear is a young male that first entered the state in St. Joseph County last week. 

Officials from both the Indiana and Michigan DNR are working to track the bear's movement.

The DNR suggests that if you see a bear you should follow these steps:

• Do not feed bears
• Keep garbage cans inside a garage or shed
• Do not leave pet food, meat, or sweets outside
• If you encounter a bear, do not run way. Rather, shout and wave your arms and back away slowly.

This is the first confirmed bear in the state of Indiana since 1871.

If you spot the bear in Indiana, you are asked to call the DNR at (812) 334-1137 or email them at [email protected].