The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is reminding residents to be bear aware, understand typical bear behavior, and take simple precautions to safely coexist with these native wildlife residents.
Each year in early summer, young black bears, especially males, cover long distances looking for a new place to call home. Black bears typically remain with adults sows (females) for the first 16 to 18 months of life before venturing out on their own. This roaming behavior is a normal and expected part of their development. During this journey, they may pass through towns and neighborhoods, attracted by easily accessible food sources.
“As Mississippi’s black bear population continues to grow and expand, it is important for residents to understand bear behavior and take simple precautions to prevent conflicts,” said Anthony Ballard, MDWFP Black Bear Program Lead. “Removing food attractants and giving bears space are the best ways to help ensure both people and wildlife remain safe.”
To reduce conflicts and keep both people and bears safe, MDWFP encourages residents to follow these BearWise tips this summer:
- Secure trash and compost
- Put away pet food that could be accessible to bears
- Store bird feeders
- Clean and secure grills and smokers
- Notify neighbors if a bear is seen in the area so they can also take precautions
- Never approach or feed bears. Take pictures or videos from a safe distance
For more information on how to live responsibly with bears, visit https://bearwise.org. By working together as a community, we can ensure Mississippi’s black bears continue to thrive while promoting safe, respectful coexistence with our native wildlife.
If you spot a bear in Mississippi, MDWFP encourages you to report that sighting online at https://xnet2.mdwfp.com/NRIS/Home/BearReport?_ga=2.198283244.2127440056.1717012974-343305922.1717012974.
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