Black bears (Ursus americanus) are present in Arkansas, making the state home to a thriving population. Their presence contributes to the natural ecosystems.
Arkansas’s Bear Species and Numbers
The only bear species in Arkansas is the American black bear, which can range in color from black to brown, cinnamon, or blond. The state’s population is estimated at 3,000 to 6,000 animals, reflecting successful conservation efforts over several decades. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission actively manages this population through regulated hunting seasons, maintaining a healthy and stable bear presence.
Geographic Distribution in Arkansas
Black bears are primarily found in Arkansas’s forested regions, including the oak-hickory forests of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains (Interior Highlands), and the bottomland hardwood forests of the Delta and Mississippi Alluvial Plain. While these are their main habitats, bears are occasionally sighted elsewhere. Young males, in particular, roam widely, and sightings outside typical areas often occur in spring as bears emerge from dens and disperse.
Living Safely with Bears
Living in or visiting bear country requires awareness to minimize potential encounters. Proper food storage prevents bears from associating humans with food sources. This includes:
- Securing garbage in bear-resistant containers.
- Storing pet food indoors.
- Cleaning barbecue grills after use.
- For campers, storing food in airtight containers, locked in vehicles, or hung from trees (at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from the trunk).
- Removing or making bird feeders inaccessible, especially when bears are active.
When hiking, make noise to alert bears to your presence; talking, singing, or whistling is effective. Hiking in groups also increases visibility.
If you sight a bear, do not run, as this might trigger a chase response. Instead, remain calm, stand your ground, and slowly back away while facing the bear. Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms and speaking firmly to deter an approaching bear. If an encounter escalates to an attack, particularly with a black bear, fighting back aggressively is recommended.
The Comeback Story of Arkansas’s Bears
Black bears were once widespread in Arkansas, giving the state its unofficial nickname, “The Bear State.” By the early 20th century, unregulated hunting and habitat destruction caused a severe decline, with fewer than 50 bears remaining by the 1930s, mostly in the lower White River drainage.
In response, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) initiated a reintroduction program between 1958 and 1968. Approximately 254 black bears from Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada, were released into the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. This effort is considered one of the most successful large carnivore reintroductions globally. The reintroduced population thrived, leading to the re-establishment of hunting seasons in 1980 after a 52-year prohibition. This demonstrates the long-term success of these conservation initiatives.