Black Bear Killed on I-80 Likely Same From Mahaska and Poweshiek Counties

Posted on December 4, 2017 by KBOE Administrator

Photo previously taken on July 12, 2017.

The same black bear that was seen in Mahaska and Poweshiek Counties within the last few months is suspected to be dead.

Officials say that the black bear spotted several times in both Mahaska and Powesheik County was likely the same bear struck and killed by a car on Interstate 80 near Victor Thursday night.

Authorities say a 27-year-old Texas man was driving west on Interstate 80 shortly before 9:30 Thursday night when his minivan hit the bear.

The driver of the minivan wasn’t hurt and neither was his passenger, but the 250-pound bear died instantly. The van wound up in a ditch and had to be towed away.

Black Bear Spotted in Poweshiek County

Posted on September 13, 2017 by KBOE Administrator

Deputies from the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office and the State Game Warden officer were able to positively identify a black bear southeast of Montezuma on the evening of September 12.

This is information only. This bear has shown no signs of aggressive behavior and is not a threat to the public at this time. If you see the bear, keep your distance and leave it alone.

If you see the bear near property or town, however, please call and advise the Sheriff’s Office of its location.

Any questions please call the Poweshiek Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 641-623-5679 or the State Game Warden at 641-660-0741.

** Press Release from the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office.

Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Black Bear

Posted on July 12, 2017July 13, 2017 by KBOE Administrator

Mid-morning on Wednesday, July 12, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office had received a report of a black bear walking in a soybean field north of Oskaloosa. The partying reporting the sighting spotted the bear at the intersection of Highway-163 and 235th Street.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources was contacted regarding the sighting. Law Enforcement was unable to location the animal, however, they did obtain hair they believe is from a black bear and sent it off to the DNR lab for testing.

Over the past several weeks, the Iowa DNR noted there has been multiple reports of bear sightings in Iowa over the past several weeks; closest being in Tama and Iowa Counties. The DNR believes this bear is no danger to the public and will vacate the state eventually.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind residents that if a bear is sighted to not approach or attempt to feed the animal. Remember to also keep all children and pets inside if a bear has been spotted in the area. Also, make sure to report any sighting to the local Law Enforcement.

Note from Editor: Please do not attempt to shoot or corral animal. Contact the Iowa DNR or Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office.

Information from Mahaska Sheriff’s Office Press Release.

www.iowadnr.gov

Customer Service: 515-725-8200

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