Mississippi’s black bear population has experienced a notable recovery over the past century, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
In 1932, estimates indicated fewer than 12 bears in the state. By 1984, the population had grown to about 25. The number increased to less than 50 in 2002, and by 2012, the population was estimated at more than 150 bears.
The department plans to release updated population figures in 2026, highlighting the ongoing success of conservation efforts. Since the early 1900s, Mississippi’s black bear population has shifted from near extinction to a thriving population, officials said.
