More bear sightings in Michiana — but this time, the bears are the cute, cuddly, stuffed kind.

More than 1,200 teddy bears were collected at South Bend International Airport during the fourth annual Bears in the Air program. Travelers and the general public were invited to donate a newly purchased teddy bear or make a cash donation at the airport starting Dec. 4.

On Tuesday, Dec. 22, airport staff members brought the stuffed animals to pediatric departments at Lakeland Medical Center, Saint Joseph Health System and Memorial Children’s Hospital. Hospital staff members will give the teddy bears to kids as they see fit.

The cash donations will benefit the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran Center at the Center for the Homeless in South Bend.