Conservation Corner: May 15, 2000

Living With The Black Bear - Part I
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 landowners.

Currently, the black bear is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. These groups have united to form the Black Bear Conservation Committee to improve the bear's population so that it will be removed from the "threatened" status.

Because of its low population, seeing a bear in the wild in Mississippi 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 the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation, "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. Nuisance activities are generally more common in years when there is a shortage of natural foods. An acute sense of smell enables the bear to find other sources of nourishment, often garbage or pet foods."

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. The same goes for pet foods. If pet food is allowed to remain out for extended periods of time, a bear could find it, eat it, and will come back looking for more.

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 in the past.

Next week, we will further review information about living with the black bear.

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.