Black bears are present in Mississippi, a notable success story in wildlife conservation. The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the species found across the state, representing a significant return after historical declines. Their growing presence reflects effective programs restoring natural habitats and managing wildlife populations.
Mississippi’s Bear Species
Mississippi is home to two subspecies of the American black bear: the American black bear (Ursus americanus americanus) in the northern regions and the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus) in the southern two-thirds. While they differ genetically and in skull morphology, these subspecies are visually indistinguishable. Adult males typically weigh between 150 and 400 pounds, while females range from 100 to 250 pounds, though larger individuals have been documented. Bears can measure between 3 and 6 feet long and stand 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder.
Black bears are classified as carnivores but are highly adaptable omnivores, with their diet consisting of up to 90% plant material. This includes acorns, berries, grasses, and agricultural crops like corn, sorghum, wheat, and oats. Protein sources come from insects and carrion. Historically, black bears were widespread in Mississippi, but overhunting and habitat destruction by the early 1900s reduced their numbers to fewer than a dozen individuals by 1932. This led to their classification as an endangered species in the state, a status they retain today.
Where Bears Live in Mississippi
Black bears in Mississippi are generally found in three main areas: the Mississippi River Delta, the Gulf Coast, and the Loess Bluffs of southwest Mississippi. They are also commonly sighted along the drainages of major rivers such as the Mississippi, Pearl, and Pascagoula. These animals thrive in diverse habitats, preferring large, remote blocks of bottomland hardwood forests that offer escape cover, den sites, and varied natural food sources. However, they also adapt to smaller, fragmented habitats, particularly in agricultural areas where crops can supplement their diet.
The expansion of bear populations in Mississippi is partly due to dispersing bears from neighboring states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama. Young male bears, in particular, travel significant distances—sometimes hundreds of miles—in search of new territories, which can lead them into unexpected areas, including urban surroundings. Most bear sightings occur in forested areas near rivers or streams, with increased reports in recent years suggesting their range is expanding north from the coast and east from the Mississippi River.
Coexisting with Bears
Coexisting with black bears requires understanding their behavior and taking preventative measures. Bears prefer to avoid human interaction. To prevent encounters, secure attractants like garbage, pet food, and bird feeders. Storing trash in secure containers and bringing pet food indoors can deter them.
If you encounter a bear in the wild, remain calm and give the animal space; do not run, as this might trigger a chase response. Instead, make noise, speak softly, and slowly back away to allow the bear to leave. If a bear stands on its hind legs, it is attempting to get a better view or scent, not showing aggression. If a bear enters a residential area, stay inside and allow it to leave on its own. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) encourages reporting bear sightings to aid in research and management.
Bear Population Recovery
By 2002, the estimated bear population in Mississippi was fewer than 50 individuals. Since then, the population has more than tripled, with current estimates around 150 bears. This growth is due to the increasing presence of female bears and documented cub births since 2005, which had not been recorded for the preceding 40 years.
Conservation initiatives focus on habitat restoration and population monitoring. Programs like the Wetland Reserve Program restore forested wetlands, providing habitat for bears. Researchers utilize methods like trapping, GPS collaring, den checks, and genetic analysis from hair snares to track movements, reproductive success, and population density. These efforts support the expansion and persistence of black bears in Mississippi’s ecosystems.