Louisiana is home to a specific bear species. These animals are a part of the state’s diverse wildlife, inhabiting various natural landscapes. Understanding their presence and habits helps to appreciate the natural environment and promotes safe interactions.
The Louisiana Black Bear: History and Comeback
The Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus) is a subspecies of the American black bear. Historically, these bears ranged across Louisiana, eastern Texas, and southwestern Mississippi. However, their populations saw a drastic decline by the early 20th century, primarily due to extensive habitat loss and overhunting. Over 80% of their suitable bottomland hardwood forest habitat was lost, converted mainly for agriculture.
By the 1980s, the Louisiana black bear population was severely fragmented, with estimates as low as 80-120 individuals remaining within Louisiana, confined to three breeding subpopulations. This decline led to the subspecies being listed as ‘threatened’ under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1992.
Following its listing, extensive conservation efforts began, involving habitat restoration and reintroduction programs. Over 750,000 acres of habitat were protected or restored, and bears from Minnesota were relocated to bolster populations. These collaborative efforts ultimately led to a significant recovery, and on March 10, 2016, the Louisiana black bear was officially delisted from the ESA after 24 years. The population grew from approximately 150 bears at the time of listing to an estimated 500-750 when delisted, and now numbers between 750-1,000 bears.
Where Louisiana Bears Live
Louisiana black bears primarily inhabit bottomland hardwood forests, swamps, and agricultural lands that border these forested areas. They also utilize various wetland and forested areas. These diverse habitats provide essential resources like ample food sources, cover for resting and denning, and travel corridors.
Bears are omnivores with a varied diet, consuming hard mast like acorns and nuts, soft mast such as berries and fleshy fruits, and agricultural crops like corn. They also forage for insects and carrion, adapting their diet to seasonal availability. The largest concentrations of Louisiana black bears are found in the Atchafalaya River Basin and the Tensas River Basin. While these basins are strongholds, sightings have been reported in many parishes across the state, indicating a broader distribution.
Coexisting with Louisiana Bears
Living in areas with Louisiana black bears requires understanding how to prevent conflicts and react appropriately. A primary step involves managing attractants around homes and campsites. Securing garbage in bear-resistant containers or indoors, bagging smelly items, and rinsing food containers can deter bears. It is also important to place garbage out for collection only on the day of pickup, rather than the night before.
Removing pet food and bird feeders from outdoor areas, and cleaning barbecue grills after use, helps eliminate food sources that draw bears into residential areas. Bears are opportunistic feeders and will readily exploit high-calorie foods associated with humans. By removing these temptations, people reduce the likelihood of a bear becoming habituated to human presence.
If a bear encounter occurs, it is important to remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase instinct. Instead, identify your presence by speaking in a calm, firm voice and slowly waving your arms to appear larger. Back away slowly and sideways, without making direct eye contact. A bear standing on its hind legs is curious, not aggressive, trying to get a better scent or view.
If a bear continues to approach or makes physical contact, fight back vigorously; black bears should not be played dead with. Carrying EPA-registered bear spray is an option for self-defense in bear country. Intentionally harming a Louisiana black bear is a violation of federal and state law.