Before European colonists, Indiana used to be host to a large suite of predators including bears, wolves, and mountain lions that kept populations of deer, elk, and even bison in check. In the late 1800’s the practice of market hunting decimated many native populations all over the United States. Indiana’s bear population was completely extirpated, but in recent years a few individual bears have immigrated into Hoosier country! More Information in the links below:
Indiana Wildlife Federation: “Indiana’s Black Bear”
https://www.indianawildlife.org/blackbear/
Indy Star: “'It's unfortunate and unusual': Vehicle hits black bear on southern Indiana interstate” By Andrew Clark