The black bear (Ursus americanus) has played an integral role in Mississippi’s natural history. Native Americans relied on the black bear as a source of food, clothing, and goods for trade. As the land was settled, bears could still be found in great numbers and hunting of bears from horseback became a popular sport. The canebrakes and swamps of the Mississippi Delta gave rise to some of the earliest legends of bear hunting and attracted people from all over the country. Of course, no hunt is as famous as the Theodore Roosevelt hunt of 1902 in Sharkey County which led to the creation of the world’s most popular children’s toy: the Teddy Bear.

By the early 1900’s, black bear numbers had been drastically reduced. The clearing of land for agriculture and overhunting through the years had reduced the state’s bear population to less than a dozen animals by 1932. Black bears were classified as endangered throughout Mississippi in 1984. The Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus), which occurs in the southern two-thirds of the state, was granted federal protection under terms of the Endangered Species Act in 1992.

Bear populations in Mississippi have shown steady increases over the past five years. The immigration of female bears into suitable habitat throughout Mississippi has resulted in the documentation of newborn cubs within the state for the first time in 40 to 50 years. These new litters of bears combined with an increase in bear sightings and captures throughout the state leave little doubt that bears are slowly returning to Mississippi’s natural lands. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks (MDWFP) biologists currently estimate Mississippi’s bear population at around 100 to 120 animals.

Because black bears have been largely absent from Mississippi’s natural lands for so long, little is known among the general public about the true nature of the animal. Historically, this lack of information has led to the perpetuation of negative stereotypes that have been passed down through the generations.   For these reasons, one the primary focuses of the MDWFP Black Bear Program has been the education of sportsmen and private citizens throughout Mississippi. Through outreach programs and seminars, great strides have been made towards eliminating irrational fears about the nature of the animal and meaning of its listing as an endangered species.