Mississippi Landowners Play Key Role in Black Bear Conservation

As Black Bear Week concludes, conservation officials highlight the importance of private landowners in Mississippi’s black bear recovery. Once widespread, the species was nearly wiped out by the early 1900s due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Decades of conservation work and partnerships have helped restore the black bear population. A significant factor in this success has been landowners who allow biologists to access their properties for research, including den checks and workups that yield vital data on the growing population.

Landowner cooperation is helping shape the future of black bear management in the state. Their involvement supports efforts to understand, manage, and sustain the species for future generations, officials said.

MDWFP encourages interested landowners to get involved. A video features a landowner sharing why he is proud to participate in the conservation work. Those interested can contact the department at 601-432-2199.

Source: Original Article