Indiana DNR: black bears were extirpated by 1850; bears from neighboring states occasionally pass through, with four confirmed in Indiana (2015, 2016, 2018, 2021).
Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife: “In recent years, four black bears have been confirmed (2015, 2016, 2018, 2021) in Indiana.” Source
Smokies: males average about 6 ft long, 3 ft at the shoulder and 250 lb in summer; females usually just over 100 lb. Missouri: 46 to 78 inches long, 86 to 600 lb.
How to recognize it
Straight facial profile, rounded erect ears, very short tail
Grizzlies have longer front claws, humped shoulders and a more concave face. Color does not settle it: brown bears can be black to blonde.
When mammals are seen in Indiana
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2,357 records (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY).
If you see one in Indiana
Keep your distance and do not try to catch or handle it. Invasive species: report online via EDDMapS or the GLEDN app; terrestrial invasives 1-866-NO-EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684), [email protected]; aquatic invasives [email protected]. Nuisance wildlife: DNR does not remove wildlife; hire a licensed wildlife control operator; DNR Customer Service 317-232-4200 or [email protected]. Mammal sightings (armadillo, mountain lion, etc.): DNR Report a Mammal form. Gecko / wall lizard sightings: [email protected]. Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Black Bear. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife. dateModified 2026-04-01; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (2)
“In recent years, four black bears have been confirmed (2015, 2016, 2018, 2021) in Indiana.”
“Enjoy it from a distance. … Never attempt to feed or attract bears. Report bear sightings to the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife”
Mammals List. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife. page states "Revised September 2021"; checked November 3, 2026.
Mountain Lion. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife. dateModified 2026-03-09; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“Indiana has no breeding population of mountain lions.”
Nine-banded Armadillo. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife. dateModified 2026-03-09; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“Recent observations of live and roadkill armadillos indicate this species can be found year-round across the southern half of the State. Reports of armadillo have been received as far north as Porter County.”
Invasive Species. Indiana Department of Natural Resources. dateModified 2026-09-08; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
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