Authority: IC 14-22-2-6

Affected: IC 14-22

Sec. 18.8. (a) A person must not take a black bear (Ursus americanus) except with one (1) of the following:

1. (1) A scientific purposes license issued under 312 IAC 9-10-6.
2. (2) A nuisance wild animal control permit issued under 312 IAC 9-10-11.

(b) A person must not possess a live black bear except with one (1) of the following:

1. (1) A wild animal possession permit issued under 312 IAC 9-11.
2. (2) A wild animal rehabilitation permit issued under 312 IAC 9-10-9.
3. (3) A scientific purposes license issued under 312 IAC 9-10-6.
4. (4) A nuisance wild animal control permit issued under 312 IAC 9-10-11.
5. (5) A registered or licensed educational or scientific institution with the United States Department of Agriculture in accordance with 9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Parts I through IV.
6. (6) A breeder or dealer license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture under 9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Parts I through IV.

(c) A person must not sell a live black bear unless that person has a breeder or dealer license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture under 9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Parts I through IV.

(d) A person must not release a black bear into the wild.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 9-3-18.8; filed Jun 21, 2018, 1:45 p.m.: 20180718-IR-312170436FRA; readopted filed Sep 18, 2019, 1:16 p.m.: 20191016-IR-312190325RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)