INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ A black bear that roamed into Indiana from southwestern Michigan this summer and eventually returned home is back in the Hoosier State, fattening up for its winter hibernation.
State Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Budd Veverka says the juvenile male reached the Michigan City area by early Thursday but may have entered the state the day before.
When the bear crossed into Indiana in July it became the state's first confirmed sighting of the species in 144 years.
Veverka says the bear has been feeding on native nuts and berries but also raiding residents' bird feeders and trash cans to put on fat for hibernation.
He says the bear might hibernate in Indiana if it can find a den like a hollow tree to ride out the winter.
