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News and Events
Black Bears on the Move During Summer Months
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
As Mississippi’s black bear population continues to increase, so do your chances of laying eyes on one of these elusive creatures. Black bears are shy and secretive by nature and prefer large expanses of forest habitat. However, during the summer months, your chances of seeing one might improve.
The months of June and July are the time when sub-adult male bears are forced to leave their mother’s range and go in search of their own territory. This behavior can lead young bears hundreds of miles in almost any direction and through territory that is often very unfamiliar. “This is the time of year that we get the most calls about bears showing up in unexpected locations throughout the state,” said Brad Young, Black Bear Program Leader for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. “These reports are almost always two- or three-year old males.”
While most bear sightings typically originate from the Delta and lower coastal counties, biologists have confirmed sightings in the northeastern corner of the state and even in the Jackson metro area. While bears are not aggressive animals, people are strongly discouraged from intentionally feeding them. “It’s a situation where the animal is looking for food in very unfamiliar territory and will take advantage of an easy meal if one is available,” noted Young. “The last thing we want to do is get them used to being around people.”
Black bears are protected under state and federal law in Mississippi and the intentional harming of one can result in fines and even jail time. If a bear is seen, people are encouraged to simply leave the bear alone and let the animal go on its way.
To receive more information on Mississippi’s bears or to report a bear sighting, please contact MDWFP at (601) 432-2199 or go online at www.mdwfp.com/bear .