Mississippi’s black bears have made significant progress from their early days of uncertainty to becoming a conservation success story, according to former Black Bear Coordinator Brad Young.
During Bear Week 2026, Young shared insights from his time in the field, discussing how trapping techniques have evolved and how the bear population has steadily increased over the years, according to a video posted online.
Young’s firsthand account highlights the dedication required to recover the species and the ongoing efforts to ensure black bears remain a part of Mississippi’s natural landscape. The full video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/1YLvkJUK76c?si=KB_BJ6mW2hay_S3z.
