Yes, Louisiana is home to bears, specifically the Louisiana Black Bear, a distinct subspecies of the American Black Bear. This large mammal, once nearly extirpated from the state, has made a remarkable comeback, establishing itself as an iconic species. Its recovery story is a testament to decades of focused conservation work.
Identifying the Louisiana Black Bear
The Louisiana Black Bear, scientifically designated Ursus americanus luteolus, is one of 16 recognized subspecies of the American Black Bear found across North America. While its coat is predominantly black, the subspecies is often noted for a yellowish-brown muzzle, and some individuals may also display a small white patch on the lower throat or chest. Adult males are substantially larger than females, typically weighing between 300 and 400 pounds, while females average 120 to over 180 pounds.
The subspecies is differentiated by its unique skull morphology, a detail used in scientific classification. The Louisiana Black Bear possesses a skull that is relatively long, narrow, and flat compared to other black bear subspecies. This characteristic is paired with proportionately large molar teeth, adaptations related to its specific diet and environment. Despite its large size, the bear is shy and secretive, preferring to avoid human contact.
From Decline to Delisting
The history of the Louisiana Black Bear is marked by a severe population crash driven by widespread habitat destruction and unregulated hunting. By the 1980s, the species had lost more than 80% of its native bottomland hardwood forest habitat, mainly due to clearing for agriculture and timber production. This reduction in suitable territory, combined with historical overhunting, pushed the bear to the brink of extinction. The population was estimated to be as low as 150 individuals when conservation efforts began.
Due to this severe decline, the subspecies was officially listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1992. This designation triggered a comprehensive recovery plan that focused on two strategies: active population protection and extensive habitat restoration. Over the following two decades, federal and state partners, along with private landowners, worked to restore and protect over 600,000 acres of forested habitat. A goal of this effort was to establish protected corridors connecting the remaining isolated populations.
The recovery proved to be a conservation success, as the bear population grew and its range expanded, demonstrating that the subspecies was no longer at risk of extinction. The US Fish and Wildlife Service determined the recovery criteria had been met, and the Louisiana Black Bear was officially removed, or delisted, from the federal list of threatened and endangered species in 2016. The current population is estimated to be thriving at approximately 1,200 to 1,500 bears, a number that reflects the success of the dedicated conservation efforts.
Current Habitat and Range
The Louisiana Black Bear’s primary habitat remains the dense, forested wetlands of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. The bears favor bottomland hardwood forests, swamps, and areas incorporating mosaics of forest and agricultural fields. These environments provide cover, water sources, and diverse food resources, such as hard mast (acorns) and soft mast (berries), that the bears rely on.
The population is concentrated in two major recovery areas that are separated by the Mississippi River. These include the Tensas River Basin in the northeastern part of the state and the expansive Atchafalaya River Basin, which is split into upper and lower sections in central and southern Louisiana. While these two main sub-populations form the core of the species’ range, the bears have been increasingly sighted across the state, expanding into new parishes. This expansion is a direct result of the successful habitat restoration that created corridors linking previously isolated breeding groups.
Guidelines for Coexistence
As the bear population has grown and expanded its range, human-bear interactions have become more common, requiring residents to adopt practices for safe coexistence. The most frequent source of conflict arises when bears are attracted to easily accessible, high-calorie food sources near human dwellings. Securing attractants is the most effective way to prevent a bear from becoming habituated to a neighborhood or campsite.
All garbage must be secured in a shed or bear-resistant container and should only be placed outside on the morning of collection, never the night before. Other common attractants, such as pet food, bird feeders, and outdoor grills, should be removed or cleaned thoroughly, especially when bears are known to be active in the area. For those who live or camp in heavily forested areas, using electric fencing around food plots or securing coolers and bait inside vehicles or cabins can prevent unwanted visits.
If a person encounters a bear, remain calm and never run, as this may trigger a chase response. Instead, stand your ground and speak in a firm, confident voice while slowly backing away to give the bear space. To appear less vulnerable, raise your arms or stand on an elevated surface to look as large as possible. For non-emergency sightings or to report a nuisance bear, contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for guidance.