MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources has set a trap to try to catch a black bear spotted roaming in northern Indiana — the first wild black bear confirmed in that state since the 1870s.

Wildlife biologists with the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife say the plan is to trap and relocate the bear to rural Michigan, which has an established bear population. The trap was set Wednesday after numerous reports of the bear being spotted around Michigan City, about 40 miles west of South Bend.

On Tuesday, Indiana Conservation officers responded to multiple bear sightings in the Motts Park area of the city. Several residents reported seeing a bear rifling through trash and bird feeders.

DNR officials say black bears tend to avoid human contact.