Conservation Corner: August 30, 1999

Living With The Black Bear
by James L. Cummins

Black bears are making a comeback in the lower Mississippi River Valley, due largely to the efforts of state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, universities, timber companies, farmers and other private landowners. Currently, the Louisiana subspecies of the black bear is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Many groups have united to form the Black Bear Conservation Committee that works to improve the bear's population so that it can be removed from the list.

Because of its low population, seeing a bear in the wild is very rare. Learning more about bears and being aware of their habits should help citizens fully appreciate these unique animals and the habitat in which they live.

Almost all conflicts between bears and humans occur as a result of the animals' search for food. According to Rob Ballinger, a Field Biologist for Wildlife Mississippi, "Under no circumstances should anyone knowingly feed a bear. Bears will lose their instinctive fear of humans quite easily and often become nuisances as a result. Problems vary from the simple presence of a bear, perceived as dangerous, to actual property damage."

Ballinger recommends that the best way to avoid trouble with bears is to avoid activities that create problem situations. Preventive measures, such as proper disposal of garbage, should be initiated first. If bears are in the area, efforts should be made to secure all garbage containers or deposit all edible wastes in separate containers that are stored where bears cannot gain access. In most conflict situations, no one control technique will provide absolute security from bear problems. However, certain measures that are initiated in a timely manner, maintained, properly and applied with an understanding of bear habits and behavior, can greatly reduce any problems associated with bears. Although bears are generally shy creatures, they are very intelligent and possess excellent long-term memory capabilities. Bears will continue to return to areas where they have found food. According to Bo Sloan, Supervisor for USDA's Wildlife Services in Stoneville, "Problems have occurred when people, fascinated by a bear near their home or workplace, have tossed food out the door so that they can watch or photograph the animal. In these situations, both the humans and the bear quickly lose fear of each other and problems surface."

If you experience any problems with bears, there are several agencies and groups available to assist you. Wildlife Mississippi and USDA's Wildlife Services Agency are committed to do whatever it takes to avoid human/bear conflicts and to work to resolve any that may develop. Wildlife Mississippi may be contacted at (662) 686-3375 and Wildlife Services can be contacted at (662) 686-3157.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.