Black bears live in Arkansas, the only bear species found within its borders. Their thriving population is a testament to successful conservation efforts.
Arkansas’s Bear Population
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is the sole bear species in Arkansas. The population is robust, with estimates suggesting 3,000 to 5,000 black bears inhabit the state. This number indicates a healthy and increasing presence across various regions.
The Return of Bears to Arkansas
Black bears were once abundant throughout Arkansas, earning the state its historical nickname, “The Bear State.” By the early 20th century, their numbers drastically declined due to unregulated hunting and extensive habitat loss. By the 1930s and 1940s, fewer than 50 black bears were thought to remain, primarily concentrated in the White River National Wildlife Refuge.
Recognizing the species’ precarious situation, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) initiated a significant reintroduction program. Between 1958 and 1968, the AGFC successfully relocated 254 to 256 black bears from Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada, into the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. This initiative is widely regarded as one of the most successful large carnivore reintroductions globally. A hunting ban was also implemented in 1927 and remained until 1980, allowing the reintroduced population to flourish.
Current Habitats and Distribution
Today, black bears are predominantly found across the mountainous and forested regions of Arkansas. Their primary strongholds include the Ozark Mountains, the Ouachita Mountains, and the White River National Wildlife Refuge. These areas provide the dense forests, thick understory vegetation, and abundant food sources that black bears require.
Bears prefer habitats with relatively inaccessible terrain and secure denning areas, such as tree cavities, downed timber, and rock crevices. While the Ozarks and Ouachitas represent the core of their distribution, the population is also expanding into the West Gulf Coastal Plain in southeastern Arkansas, showing an annual growth rate of approximately 4% in that region.
Coexisting with Arkansas Bears
Living in areas with black bears requires understanding and responsible practices to minimize human-bear conflicts. Black bears are generally shy and prefer to avoid human contact, often retreating when they detect people. However, they can become accustomed to human presence if they associate people with easily accessible food sources.
To prevent attracting bears, it is important to secure all food items, garbage, pet food, and bird feeders. When hiking or camping in bear country, making noise can alert bears to your presence, giving them time to move away. If a bear is encountered, it is important to remain calm, avoid running, stand your ground, and make yourself appear larger by waving your arms. Slowly backing away is generally recommended, and bear spray can be used as a deterrent if a bear becomes aggressive.