Black bears are moving through parts of Mississippi as part of their normal summer behavior, wildlife officials say. Each year, young male bears travel long distances after leaving their mothers, typically between 16 and 18 months old.
This roaming is a standard part of their development and can lead them through towns and neighborhoods. During their journeys, bears are often attracted to accessible food sources, increasing the potential for human encounters.
To reduce conflicts, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks encourages residents to follow BearWise safety tips. These include securing trash and compost, storing pet food out of reach, and removing bird feeders. Officials also advise cleaning and securing grills and smokers and notifying neighbors if a bear is spotted.
Residents are reminded never to approach or feed bears. Instead, they should take photos or videos from a safe distance. Sightings can be reported through the department’s website, according to officials. The agency credited photographer Lara Atchison for images related to the sightings.
