Black bears are present and thriving in Northwest Arkansas. A restoration program has led to a resurgence of these animals in the region.
Black Bears in Northwest Arkansas
The only bear species in Arkansas is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Despite their name, black bears can also have brown, gray, or cinnamon coats.
Adult male black bears in Arkansas weigh between 130 and 300 pounds, though some exceed 600 pounds. Females are smaller, ranging from 90 to 150 pounds. Black bears have a keen sense of smell and good eyesight, aiding them in finding food. They are omnivorous, eating mostly plant matter like acorns, berries, and grasses, supplemented by insects and occasional carrion.
Their Habitat and Population Growth
Black bears were once abundant throughout Arkansas, leading to the state being known as “The Bear State.” By the 1930s, their population was severely reduced to fewer than 50 individuals due to over-harvesting and habitat destruction. This decline prompted conservation efforts.
Between 1958 and 1968, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reintroduced 254 black bears from Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada, into the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, which include Northwest Arkansas. This reintroduction is recognized as one of the most successful large carnivore restoration programs in history. Today, the statewide black bear population is estimated to be over 5,000 animals, reflecting a substantial recovery. These bears prefer dense, heavily forested areas, particularly oak-hickory forests with thick understory vegetation and access to water sources, all plentiful in Northwest Arkansas’s mountainous terrain.
Living Alongside Bears Safely
Coexisting with black bears requires understanding their behaviors and taking proactive measures to prevent conflicts. Bears are drawn to human areas by readily available food sources like garbage, pet food, and barbecue grills. To deter them, secure trash in bear-resistant containers, clean outdoor grills, and store pet food indoors. Avoid intentionally feeding any wildlife, as it can lead bears to associate humans with food.
If you encounter a black bear, remain calm and avoid approaching it, especially if cubs are present, as mother bears are protective. Making yourself appear larger by raising your arms and making noise can encourage the bear to leave. Slowly backing away while facing the bear is recommended. Unlike grizzly bears, playing dead is not an appropriate response. For persistent nuisance bears or safety concerns, contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.