Black bear near Castalia, Iowa (Lynnette Lyons)
A black bear caused a stir in northeast Iowa but hasn't been seen since night fell as the animal sought refuge in a tree. People first spotted the 150 to 200 pound bear Monday traveling south from Castalia toward Clermont.
Todd Waterman of Castalia says he was watching when a herd of cattle approached the bear, prompting it to climb into a tree and remain there until nightfall. The animal wasn't seen Tuesday.
Black bears don't breed in Iowa but occasionally wander into the state, usually from Minnesota and Missouri.
Department of Natural Resources wildlife technician Dave Hoffman says black bears stay away from people and injuries from the animals are extremely rare.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Todd Waterman of Castalia says he was watching when a herd of cattle approached the bear, prompting it to climb into a tree and remain there until nightfall. The animal wasn't seen Tuesday.
Black bears don't breed in Iowa but occasionally wander into the state, usually from Minnesota and Missouri.
Department of Natural Resources wildlife technician Dave Hoffman says black bears stay away from people and injuries from the animals are extremely rare.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
