The only species of bear found in Arkansas is the American Black Bear, scientifically known as Ursus americanus. Arkansas has achieved one of the most successful large carnivore reintroduction efforts in North America, leading to a robust and recovered bear population.
The Sole Species of Arkansas
The American Black Bear in Arkansas exhibits a wide range of physical characteristics. While the majority of the population is black, a notable number in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains display brown or cinnamon-colored fur. This color variation, which accounts for approximately 23% of the Ozark population, is a direct result of bears translocated from Minnesota and Manitoba during reintroduction efforts. Adult males typically weigh between 130 and 300 pounds, but some larger individuals can exceed 600 pounds, while females are considerably smaller, generally weighing 90 to 150 pounds.
These bears are classified as omnivores, meaning their diet is highly adaptable and shifts with the seasons. In the spring, their diet consists mainly of succulent grasses, herbs, and insects. As the year progresses, they rely heavily on soft mast like berries and hard mast such as acorns, which are consumed to gain fat reserves for winter. Black bears are generally solitary, except for females with cubs, and are most active during dawn and dusk.
Black bears do not enter a state of true hibernation but experience a deep winter lethargy, or torpor, during which they do not eat or excrete waste. They establish dens in secure locations, often utilizing tree cavities, brush piles, or rock crevices. Females give birth to their cubs in the den during this winter period, nursing them until spring emergence.
Geographic Distribution and Population Status
The bear population in Arkansas faced near extinction by the early 20th century, with fewer than 50 bears remaining by the 1930s. To reverse this decline, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission successfully relocated 254 bears into the state’s Interior Highlands between 1958 and 1968. This reintroduction program is recognized as a major success story in wildlife conservation.
Today, the primary population centers are the heavily forested Ozark and Ouachita National Forests. While these regions serve as the core range, the bear population has expanded significantly. Sightings are becoming increasingly common in the Gulf Coastal Plain, the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and the Delta region.
Current estimates indicate there are now over 5,000 black bears residing in the Interior Highlands alone. The Delta region also supports a growing population, estimated to be over 500 bears. This success has necessitated the re-establishment of regulated hunting seasons to stabilize bear numbers and mitigate human-bear conflict.
Coexistence and Safety Guidelines
Living in bear country requires practicing specific prevention methods to maintain a safe distance and prevent bears from becoming habituated to human food sources. The most crucial step is securing all potential attractants, including garbage, pet food, bird seed, and livestock feed. When camping, all food, cooking utensils, and scented items should be stored in bear-resistant containers, locked vehicles, or suspended at least 10 feet high.
During a hike, making noise is an effective strategy to alert a bear to a human presence and avoid a surprise encounter. Talking, singing, or whistling allows the bear to move away naturally, as they prefer to avoid people. If an encounter does occur, never run, as this may trigger a chase response.
Instead, stand your ground, speak in a low and calm voice, and slowly back away to increase the distance. If the bear approaches or acts aggressively, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms and be prepared to use bear spray, aiming for the face. Maintaining a distance of at least 100 yards from a bear is the safety recommendation for viewing wildlife.