Out of the Den and On the Move: Black Bears Active in Arkansas

For many Americans, Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer season. If your vacation includes a hiking or camping trip to Arkansas, beware of the black bear. I love the great outdoors, the feeling it gives me frees the spirit, mind, and body, but it can also be dangerous if you're not careful.

Black Bears on the Rise in Arkansas

There are 5,000 black bears in Arkansas, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is reporting an uptick of black bears, as many of them are leaving their dens from winter and beginning to venture outdoors more frequently. Most bears are classified as omnivores, feeding on berries, nuts, leaves, grass, insects, and on occasion, meat.

As the bears continue to travel long distances seeking independence and a new home away from their mothers, it's not uncommon to see a black bear or a cub on the side of the road in wooded areas when traveling through parts of Arkansas.

Tips to Stay Safe From a Black Bear

• When camping in the state parks' woodland campgrounds, you must dispose of trash properly.
• Don't leave food scraps, trash, wildlife feeders, or pet food outside, this attracts bears and other wildlife critters to invade.
• Beware of your surroundings, make noise, sing, or make other loud noises to alert bears who might be in the vicinity.
• Hiking in groups, bears are more likely to hear you.
• If you see a bear before it sees you, stand your ground and walk away slowly,
• If a bear sees you, don't run, and raise your arms above your head, appearing to make yourself look larger.
• Use bear spray as a deterrent for an aggressive bear.
• Don't run, that only triggers a bear's response.

Here's more from the YouTuber Dirt In My Shoes podcast.

According to KATV, Black bears in Arkansas can be found all over the state in woodland regions, but are typically found mainly in oak-hickory forests in the Highlands and the wood forest' bottomlands in the Delta region.

Get our free mobile app

Arkansas Law on Feeding a Black Bear

In case you're wondering,  it's against the law to feed a black bear outside its legal baiting period, as bears will become unfearful of humans, providing food, which could spell danger to people.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides information on bear hunting regulations and conservation efforts.

Get our free mobile app