Black Bear Management Handbook for LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, SOUTHERN ARKANSAS and EAST TEXAS Published by:

Fourth Edition | March 2015

Special credit to the individual participants of the Black Bear Conservation Coalition

Funding for this publication was provided by:

Delta-Land Services Walton Family Foundation Apache Foundation Louisiana Forestry Association-Sustainable Forestry Initiative The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation W.D. Chips Louisiana Chapter of the Society of American Foresters Louisiana Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters

Black Bear Conservation Coalition P.O. Box 80442, Baton Rouge, LA 70898 225-400-9622 bbcc.org

Design by VeniHarlan.com Table of Contents

THE BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALTION...... 7 AGRICULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS...... 43

EXCUTIVE SUMMARY...... 11 Conservation Program on Agricultural Lands...... 45

FOREWORD...... 15 LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT: A COORDINATED APPROACH...... 47

INTRODUCTION...... 17 LIVING WITH BEARS...... 51

Arkansas...... 19 Bears in Your Neighborhood...... 52

Louisiana...... 19 Bears and Garbage...... 52

Mississippi...... 21 Hunting in Bear Country...... 53

Texas...... 22 Bears and Deer Feeders...... 54 Bears and Campsites...... 55 BEAR ECOLOGY...... 25 Bears and Beehives...... 57 Physical Description...... 25 Bears and Crops and Livestock...... 57 Reproduction...... 25 Bears and Roads...... 58 Denning/Hibernation...... 26 Feeding Bears...... 59 Movements...... 27

Food Habits...... 28 MANAGEMENT OF NUISANCE BEHAVIOR...... 61

Habitat Requirements...... 30 Cooperative Management Approach...... 63 Aversive Conditioning...... 63 MANAGEMENT OF FOREST HABITAT...... 33 Encounters with Bears...... 65 General Forest Management Guidelines...... 33 Understanding Bear Behavior...... 67 Forest Diversity...... 33 Interpreting Black Bear Communication...... 67 Streamside Management Zones...... 33 Defensive Display of Dominance Behavior...... 69 Den Sites...... 34

Roads...... 35 INCENTIVE PROGRAMS ...... 71

Forest Openings...... 35 State & Federal Program Contacts...... 73

Bottomland Hardwood Timber Management...... 35 Private Programs...... 77

Canebreak Management...... 38 Carbon Banking Opportunities...... 79

Upland Pine Management...... 39 CONCLUSION...... 81

Upland Mixed Pine/Hardwood Management...... 39 For more information...... 83 Cypress/Tupelo Management...... 40 The Black Bear Conservation Coalition We feel strongly that working together, all partners, public and private, is key to the successful restoration and management of the Louisiana black bear.

The Black Bear Conservation Committee (BBCC) was formed in the fall of 1990, shortly after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published its intent to list the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus) as threatened under the guidelines of the Endangered Species Act. Occurring at the height of the highly publicized controversy associated with the Northern spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest, there was a genuine fear that the bear’s listing could generate a similar conflict in the region. In an effort to avoid

such controversy, and to avoid a litigious conflict Graphics Marshall Kate by Photo that would have no obvious winners, a group of progressive wildlife biologists met and formed a way in putting plans together to restore the bear to working group that became the BBCC. suitable habitat in its historic range in Louisiana, Mississippi, and east Texas. That initial meeting evolved to a very active, collaborative model that set out to reverse the The working groups wrote and had printed a actions that had brought the Louisiana black bear comprehensive Restoration Plan for the Louisiana to a point that required the federal listing. Working Black Bear, a plan that was later used as the subcommittees were formed to address research blueprint for the official Recovery Plan for the needs, information and education, habitat and Louisiana Black Bear by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife conflict management. Stakeholders representing Service. The first edition of a Black Bear Management timber companies, agricultural and energy Handbook was printed and distributed to almost interests, conservation organizations, universities 10,000 landowners and others interested in bears. and individuals all worked together to determine An annual newsletter was distributed and an what was best for the bear, putting personal and outreach program was developed to give educational professional agendas aside. When the bear was programs to schools, civic organizations, summer listed in January of 1992, the BBCC was well on its camps, and other opportunities to educate citizens

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 7 about the Louisiana black bear. Over the years, the addressing potential and existing conflicts. Private BBCC has given educational presentations to tens organizations, whose members are local community of thousands of people in Louisiana, Mississippi volunteers, can do a lot to reduce the burden on the and east Texas, as well as presentations at national government agencies, saving the taxpayer dollars meetings like the biannual Eastern Black Bear for other needs. Over the years, the activities of the Workshops. Working with local communities, the BBCC have saved both the federal and state wildlife BBCC has helped jump start two bear festivals, the agencies several million dollars. The stakeholders Great Delta Bear Affair in Rolling Fork, MS, and the in bear management are many and most are Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival in Franklin, LA. willing to do their part in creating a “bear friendly” These events are designed to show these small environment. communities that bears can be an asset to the economic well-being of their communities. The development of forested corridors connecting existing forested habitat across the region is an ongoing objective that the BBCC and other Maintaining enough conservation interests will be pursuing in the near Apache and Walton Family Foundations supported and distant future. More and more emphasis is being habitat for bears means the BBCC’s tree planting program. The Apache placed on habitat connectivity throughout the nation, Foundation has donated over one million hardwood and much will require private property. We have hundreds of other species seedlings to BBCC efforts while Walton Foundation done a lot with USDA Farm Bill and other government will also prosper, water funds have paid to plant them. Several thousand programs, which are all voluntary, with mitigation acres in Louisiana and Texas have been planted banks, and other conservation easement options. As by the BBCC with the generous support of these budgets get cut and government monies diminish, quality will improve, organizations. we will need to work to develop other ways of and tons of carbon will Over the years, the BBCC has spent over $4 million working with the private sector in protecting existing addressing restoration objectives. The BBCC handled habitat and restoring areas in strategic locations. be removed from the nuisance bear work for the Louisiana Department of Please visit the BBCC website at www.bbcc.org and Wildlife and Fisheries for 15 years and subsidized support our efforts now and in the future. As the atmosphere. bear research by purchasing immobilization drugs, Louisiana black bear recovers from near extinction flights to monitor bears, ATV’s, bear traps, and other Working with public and private partners, the BBCC and becomes a viable part of our wildlife heritage, items necessary to support the restoration of the Landowner Assistance Program has helped direct citizens will need to learn how to coexist with these Louisiana black bear. private landowners to the appropriate private, remarkable animals. Bears have a place on the state or federal program that helps them meet their We feel strongly that working together, all partners, landscape and are considered a “Keystone” species. conservation aspirations on their property. USDA public and private, is key to the successful If we can maintain enough habitat for these far- Farm Bill programs have restored over a million restoration and management of the Louisiana black ranging animals, hundreds of other species will also acres of bottomland hardwood forests in the region. bear. Without a doubt, the bear population has prosper, water quality will improve, and many tons The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and rebounded, much faster than anyone could have of carbon will be removed from the atmosphere. The Private Stewardship Grants from the U.S. Fish and predicted. Many states are partnering with private one important species that will benefit most from Wildlife Service, along with private dollars from the groups in educating the public about bears and this is ours, humans.

8 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 9 Executive Summary

Essential black bear habitat components include Ideal management food, water, cover, denning sites and limited human disturbance. Forest management should be directed plans should toward providing or enhancing these habitat emphasize conflict components. Most forest management practices advantageous to black bears are also consistent with prevention and normal management activities and are beneficial to other wildlife species. Such practices include: practical solutions. n Maintaining occupied bear habitat in some stage of timberland or vegetative cover In the past, the existence of viable populations of the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus) n Maintaining a diverse, productive forest that was jeopardized by significant habitat alteration provides preferred bear foods and cover and reduction of the bear’s range of Louisiana, n Using single-tree, group selection, patch Mississippi, east Texas, and southern Arkansas. clearcuts or a combination of these in uneven- Consequently, in 1992, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife age management to promote the regeneration of Service declared the subspecies “threatened” under key timber species (e.g., oaks) and stimulate the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in all growth of herbaceous plants of those states except Arkansas. As this document goes to press, the Louisiana black bear is getting n Designating forested hardwood corridors (as closer to the recovery objectives due largely to the wide as possible) along major drainages in successful partnerships fostered by the Black Bear both hardwood and pine forests as streamside Conservation Coalition (BBCC). management zones (SMZs)

At the time of listing, black bears in the region n Preserving trees greater than 36 inches in existed primarily in 3 isolated subpopulations diameter at breast height with existing or in bottomland hardwood and floodplain forests potential cavities for potential denning sites in Louisiana. Establishing and maintaining bear n Favoring cypress stands, escape thickets, food habitat and corridors for movement between these sources and travel corridors connecting forested subpopulations is necessary to meet the criteria areas for removing the bear from listing under the ESA. Because 90% of these lands are private, involving n Considering the size, shape and arrangement of private landowners in habitat restoration efforts harvest cuts, as well as the proximity and age of has been and remains key to the success of bear nearby harvested areas, to promote diversity in restoration efforts. hardwood and pine plantations

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 11 by wildlife professionals to all potential bear conflicts An effective response is critical in determining whether the public views bears as an asset or a liability. A proactive approach by wildlife professionals is best, as prevention of nuisance behavior is easier to all potential bear to manage than addressing ongoing problems. Providing the public with factual information about conflicts is critical in black bears can help avoid conflicts and make resolutions more acceptable. Measures that are determining whether initiated in a timely manner, maintained properly, and applied with an understanding of bear behavior, the public views bears can greatly reduce any problems associated with bears. There are many options in dealing with as an asset or a liability. human/bear conflict situations. In general, conflicts between humans and wildlife can be addressed There are many assistance programs available to by either managing the animals involved in the help restore and enhance wildlife habitat on private conflict, manipulating the resource being damaged, lands. These programs offer different types of or by placing a physical or psychological barrier easements, cost-share plans, and other financial and between the conflicting resource and the wildlife technical assistance. Clear and concise explanations species. Ideal management plans should emphasize of how each program works provide private conflict prevention and, when problems arise, the n Favoring hard mast-producing species such as n Selecting crops such as corn, sugarcane or landowners the information they need to choose implementation of practical solutions. oaks and pecans on suitable sites winter wheat, and locating those crops so that the program that will best meet their management they provide both forage and cover for bears n Thinning natural hardwood stands when objectives. feasible, preferable at 5 to 15 year intervals n Using all pesticides and herbicides in The benefits of all habitat management efforts can n Burning pine stands on a 3 to 5 year rotation, accordance with label guidelines and state and be magnified by planning and applying management avoiding winter burns and always protecting federal regulations practices within a landscape-scale context, rather SMZ’s from fire n In acreage reduction programs, locating set- than on an individual tract basis. Coordinated aside acres to provide extra wildlife habitat and, n Limiting construction of permanent all-weather landscape management among multiple landowners in the agricultural programs, planting mast- roads into forested areas and gating or closing across a large area may offer the best opportunity for producing trees, both hard and soft such roads when not in use bear management and restoration. The BBCC actively While forestlands provide optimum bear habitat, n Buffer drainage ditches and streams with seeks out groups of landowners to create landscape- agricultural lands can be managed to enhance vegetative cover that can be used as travel scale habitat management and restoration projects. overall bear habitat quality. Use of various corridors Currently, budget cuts and additional anticipated management techniques on agricultural lands next n Converting marginal agricultural lands to cuts may slow the effort, making cooperative to or interspersed with forested tracts can serve forestland projects more important than ever. to improve and expand occupied bear habitat. Successful restoration of the Louisiana black bear is Agricultural management practices that can enhance dependent on public support. An effective response black bear habitat include:

12 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 13 Forward

Black bears occupy a special place in the fact For many years, the BBCC coordinated the human/ and folklore of the lower Mississippi River Valley bear conflict resolution and spearheaded a Conflict region. William Faulkner used the bear to symbolize Management Team consisting of BBCC, USDA Wildlife southern manhood and his concept of wilderness. Services, LSU Department of Renewable Natural Theodore Roosevelt brought national and Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and international attention to the southern bear in the the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries early 1900’s when, while on a bear hunt in Louisiana (LDWF). USDA Wildlife Services still assists LDWF in and Mississippi, he refused to shoot a bear that had addressing nuisance complaints in Louisiana and been captured and bound to a tree. Impressed with state agencies address those duties in neighboring Roosevelt’s sportsmanship, a journalist traveling states. The BBCC wrote a State Wildlife Grant that with the hunting party set to paper the phrase provided funds to hire a full-time bear conflict “Teddy’s Bear,” which initiated the stuffed toy craze. officer in St. Mary Parish and purchase bear-proof residential garbage containers for the “hot spots” Today, black bears in the region are making a in that parish. Bear Festivals were started in Rolling comeback. Since the early 1900’s, bear habitat had Fork, Mississippi and Franklin, Louisiana to show been significantly altered or eliminated throughout local communities that bears could stimulate much of the region, resulting in a decline to an economic development while helping to educate estimated population of just a few hundred bears. citizens about bears. In recent years, habitat loss has been reversed and habitat restoration has increased significantly, As with any wildlife population, the objectives and allowing the bear population to increase significantly attitudes of landowners, land managers, resource as well. The Black Bear Conservation Coalition (BBCC) users, and the general public will determine if a believes this trend can continue and is actively viable bear population is considered a good thing working to restore black bears to suitable habitat or not. Human attitudes will ultimately determine within its historic range in Louisiana, Mississippi, whether bears can survive in the modern world. southern Arkansas and east Texas. Public education will be a key to the future of black bears in Louisiana, Mississippi, southeast Arkansas, The BBCC represents a broad-based cooperative and east Texas. It is with this thought in mind that effort supporting the management and restoration of we bring to you the 4th edition of the Black Bear black bears in the region. Its three focus areas have Management Handbook. been habitat restoration and management, research, and information and education, which includes If restoration of black bears is successful, it will conflict management. Since formation of the BBCC in be through the continued efforts of public and 1990, a workable strategy has been implemented to private sectors working together to develop and achieve realistic goals in each of the focus areas, and implement a strategy that considers the objectives BBCC participants have taken a proactive approach and needs of the resource, the landowner, and toward turning ideas into reality. As a result, state the public. The BBCC pledges to work toward agencies have taken a more active role in each achieving a healthy bear resource and preserving a focus area. In the early 90’s, the BBCC Research unique wildlife heritage. We therefore ask you, the Subcommittee determined research priorities. Now private landowner and land manager for whom this the state and federal agencies make those decisions. publication is written, to actively support this goal.

Photo by Ashley Hockenberry Ashley by Photo © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 15 Introduction

The American black bear (Ursus americanus) was once found throughout North America from Alaska and northern Canada to northern Mexico. Presently, 16 subspecies are recognized, and those animals found in eastern Texas, most of Mississippi, and all of Louisiana are considered to belong to Ursus americanus luteolus (generally referred to as the Louisiana black bear). For the purpose of defining boundaries for the listing of the subspecies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did not include bears in Arkansas. More recent analysis would support the genetics of those animals in southeast Arkansas as genetically similar to luteolus, or at the very least an “intergrade” of luteolus and americanus.

The existence of viable populations of the Louisiana black bear was jeopardized by significant habitat alteration and reduction of the bear’s range. Historic range of American black bear Consequently, in 1992 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) declared the subspecies “threatened” under provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Although bears north of the Louisiana/ Arkansas border were excluded from the listing under the ESA, the historic range of luteolus includes the southern part of Arkansas. There is evidence that bears in southeast Arkansas in and around the White River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) may be in an area where the American and Louisiana bear subspecies come together (intergrade).

The decline in black bear abundance can primarily be attributed to human activity, which includes habitat loss, unregulated harvest, and neglect through lack of management. Because of land drainage and clearing for agriculture, the original 24 million acres of bottomland hardwood forest in the lower Mississippi River Valley was reduced to less than 5 million acres by 1980. Examples of the extent of habitat loss included the Tensas River Basin in Current range of American black bear Louisiana and the Yazoo River Basin in Mississippi, where less that 20 percent of the original forested acreage remained in bottomland hardwoods.

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 17 Although bottomland hardwood loss stabilized in abundant black bear population. These areas are rich This dispersal activity was expected as the animals the early 1990’s and is being reversed with the aid in legend and lore regarding the bears that roamed establish new home ranges. of federally subsidized conservation incentives, the forest and the men who hunted them. Bears were planned restoration of this habitat, and connecting an important source of food, fur, and oil for early Black bears are managed as a game species remaining forests, is still critical for assuring bear settlers. Historical accounts of bear hunts by Indians in Arkansas. A hunting season for bears in the population viability. Because black bears have a low and early European explorers date to the mid-1700’s. Ouachita and Ozark Mountains has been conducted reproductive rate, the loss of adult females is also a When President Theodore Roosevelt went on his since 1980. A quota hunt for bears living around the serious concern. Human caused mortality, including famous bear hunt that launched the ‘Teddy bear’ in White River NWR has been conducted since 2001. road kills, accidental and illegal take can suppress 1902, the bear population had already been greatly While baiting bears for hunting purposes is allowed population growth, especially in small, isolated diminished. in certain management zones and seasons, feeding populations. bears outside of those designations is illegal, with penalties of up to $1,000 in fines. The feeding law While data on the historical status and distribution was passed to prevent conflicts associated with of the Louisiana black bear in the historic range are bears associating people with food. generally lacking, there are numerous references to Arkansas the animals being “widespread” and “common.” It Louisiana has been reported that black bears once occupied There are 4 distinct bear populations in Arkansas. Although historically considered abundant, most forested areas in the region, but reached Two populations occupy the Ouachita and Ozark black bears populations in Louisiana were low by their peak abundance in the expansive forested Mountains in the north and west and another the 1950’s. The 1959 Louisiana Wildlife Inventory bottomlands of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River resides in the bottomland hardwood forests in the reported that the number of parishes inhabited drainages prior to human settlement in the early southeast, primarily on and around the White River by bears decreased from 17 in 1890 to 6 in 1950. 1800’s. River drainages in east Texas like the Big NWR. In 2000, a project to establish a population in The Inventory estimated that 80 to 120 bears Thicket National Preserve were also known to have an south-central Arkansas was initiated. From 2000 to 2006, forty six adult female bears and 99 cubs were remained in Louisiana and were restricted to the moved from their winter dens on the White River Tensas and Atchafalaya River Basins. In an effort NWR to the Felsenthal NWR. to bolster dwindling bear numbers, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) The populations in the mountains resulted from conducted a restocking program during a relocation program conducted from 1958 to the summers of 1964-1967. 1968. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) moved 254 bears from Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada into the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains. That program has been considered to be the most successful restoration of a large carnivore population in the nation. Although bears in southeastern Arkansas were excluded from the 1992 listing of the Louisiana black bear under the Endangered Species Act, the historic range of this subspecies does include parts of southern Arkansas. The bear population around the White River NWR is considered healthy and expanding. The new population around the Felsenthal NWR in the Ouachita River drainage appears to be dispersing in all directions, with some collared animals documented in both Louisiana and Mississippi.

18 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 19 During this period, 161 bears were captured in Cook Wills summarized data from LDWF district biologists, and habitat protection. The last bear hunting season County, Minnesota and released into Louisiana by and estimated 110 to125 bears in Louisiana. These was held in 1988. In 1991, the civil penalty for LDWF personnel. Pointe Coupee Parish, in the Upper historical numbers probably do not represent true killing black bears was set at $10,000 per animal Atchafalaya Basin, received 130 bears and the rest changes in abundance, but rather can be attributed and criminal penalties include a possible prison were released near the Madison/Tensas Parish line to estimates based on incidental reports. No term. In addition to laws against illegally killing in the Tensas River Basin. Bears dispersing from the quantitative survey data had been collected prior to bears in Louisiana, in Fall 2004, it became illegal release sites were reported in all states adjacent to the listing under the Endangered Species Act. to intentionally feed wild black bears in Louisiana, Louisiana over the next three years. with fines up to $550. The feeding law was passed to Several research projects designed to provide prevent conflicts associated with bears associating At least 30 of these animals died shortly after the estimates of bear numbers in Louisiana have been people with food. restocking effort, mostly from vehicle collisions conducted in recent years. In 1991, University of and illegal kills. Previous taxonomic and genetic Tennessee and FWS researchers estimated 60 to 100 Most recent population dynamics and genetics research indicated that the genetics of the Louisiana animals in the Tensas Basin, primarily on Big Lake research shows that the translocation of bears to bear were not compromised by the introduction of Wildlife Management Area, Tensas River National the Three Rivers Complex in lower Concordia and the Minnesota bears. As technology has improved, Wildlife Refuge, and private forestland north of I-20 eastern Avoyelles Parishes has paid dividends and however, more recent genetic studies indicate that (Epps Plantation). In 1998, the population estimate is providing a “stepping stone” for the genetics the bears in the northern Pointe Coupee population for Epps Plantation was 40 to 60 bears. In 1999, the of the Pointe Coupee Parish (Upper Atchafalaya) do show some evidence of a Minnesota influence, population of Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge bears to mix with the genetics of the Tensas River even though the restocking was considered a (NWR) was estimated between 90 and 180 bears subpopulation. With the aid of the latest in DNA failure. In 1977, Louis Brunet estimated 350 bears using a DNA hair capture technique. From 2006- technology, researchers can now document that remained in Louisiana, all in large forest tracts 2008 a University of Tennessee study estimated bears from the upper Atchafalaya subpopulation isolated from human disturbance. In 1981, Dewey 294 bears in the Tensas Basin study area. In 2007 are breeding with bears in the Three Rivers Complex a similar hair snare survey was initiated in upper and the progeny from those pairings are dispersing Pointe Coupee Parish. That research, with a study northward to the Tensas River Basin. This is a huge as the Theodore Roosevelt hunt in 1902 in Sharkey area of approximately 115 sq. miles, estimated 56 step in moving the Louisiana black bear toward a County that led to the creation of the world’s most bears. A duplicate survey has been conducted in the viable and sustainable determination. popular children’s toy, the Teddy Bear. coastal population, and data from that study has By the early 1900’s, black bear numbers had recently been reported at approximately 140 bears. Mississippi been drastically reduced. The clearing of land for The BBCC, LDWF, FWS, LSU and the University of Mississippi is home to two subspecies of black agriculture and unregulated harvest through the Tennessee translocated bears into east central bear. The American black bear (Ursus americanus) years had reduced the state’s bear population Louisiana to help close the gap between the Tensas occurs in the more northern counties of the state to less than a dozen animals. They were given and Atchafalaya Basin bear populations. Wildlife while the federally listed Louisiana black bear (Ursus statewide protection in 1932. The black bar was personnel moved adult females and their cubs from americanus luteolus) occurs in the southern two- included on the first list of rare and threatened their winter dens in the Tensas Basin to artificial thirds of the state. vertebrates of Mississippi in 1974 and was listed as an endangered species in the state in 1984. dens at Lake Ophelia NWR, and the Red River and The black bear has long played an integral role in Three Rivers Wildlife Management Areas (recently Mississippi’s natural and cultural history. Native In June of 2002, the Mississippi Department of renamed the Richard K. Yancy WMA). Between March Americans relied on the black bear as a source of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) began its own 2001 and 2009, 47 adult females and 104 cubs were food, clothing, and goods for trade. As the land was formal black bear program, hiring a full time bear moved, and most of these bears have remained in settled, bears could still be found in great numbers biologist. The purpose of the program is to provide and around the target area. The bears moved as cubs and the hunting of bears from horseback became a information and education to sportsmen and citizens are now adults and producing offspring. popular sport. The canebrakes and swamps of the of Mississippi, to conduct research to learn more Past management of black bears in Louisiana has Mississippi Delta gave rise to some of the earliest about bear ecology, and to provide management focused primarily on harvest restrictions, restocking, legends of bear hunting and attracted people from for the state’s growing bear population. It was all over the country. Of course, no hunt is as famous estimated that there were less than 40 bears in

20 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 21 Mississippi when the program began in 2002. education of Mississippi’s sportsmen and citizens Researchers from Michigan State University and Since that time, Mississippi’s bear population has through public outreach has helped to dismiss Stephen F. Austin State University have conducted swelled to over 150 animals dispersed throughout negative stereotypes about black bears and make three separate surveys of public attitudes and the state. There are several reasons for this bear conservation in Mississippi something that knowledge regarding black bear in eastern Texas. increase in population, including the presence everyone can be proud of. Overall attitudes towards black bear are generally of females which were nonexistent in previous positive, although a majority of east Texans opposed years. Successful bear restoration programs in Research conducted by MDWFP in conjunction with translocation of bears to the region. These surveys southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana created Mississippi State University (MSU) has shed new highlighted the value of outreach campaigns to opportunities for dispersing animals to cross the light on bear ecology in Mississippi. Information educate the public about bears. Mississippi River into all Mississippi counties gathered from monitoring radio-collared bears bordering the River. In August of 2006, the MDWFP throughout the state has provided much needed Based on the current status and research, an published the “Conservation and Management information about home range sizes, dispersal update and revision of the East Texas Black Bear of Black Bears in Mississippi”, a document that behaviors, and habitat preferences that were Conservation and Management Plan developed in will guide management decisions in the coming previously unknown. Research has also provided 2005, will be prepared by 2015. years. Since 2005, MDWFP has documented the information on denning ecology of females with Breeding populations are not present in the historic births of over 30 bear cubs in Mississippi. This is cubs, a key component of Mississippi’s growing bear range of the Louisiana black bear in east Texas; of special significance due to the fact that no cubs population. however, sightings have been increasing for the past had been documented in the previous 40 years. 10-15 years, particularly in the northeastern counties Another reason for the increase in bear numbers Texas adjacent to Oklahoma and Arkansas. Recent hair is the increase in bear habitat, particularly in the Historically, Texas was home to 4 of the 16 snaring studies through Texas Parks and Wildlife Delta region. Government reforestation programs recognized subspecies of black bear: the Mexican Department, Stephen F. Austin State University, such as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and (Ursus americanus eremicus), the New Mexican and the BBCC surveyed over 1,300 sq. kilometers of the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) have provided black bear (U. a. amblyceps) in west Texas, the suitable forested habitat in eastern Texas and only corridors connecting large tracts of public lands Louisiana black bear in east Texas, and the American sampled one black bear in Red River County. which serve as vital bear habitat. And finally, black bear, which occurred throughout northern and Despite the current transient nature of the central Texas. Extensive habitat loss and human population in eastern Texas, a regional survey of exploitation that began during colonization and habitat suitability confirmed that large areas of the continued through the mid-twentieth century caused state provide suitable conditions to support black the decline of black bear in Texas. Bears were rare in bear populations long-term. Researchers from Texas at the beginning of the twentieth century, and Stephen F. Austin State University identified large by the 1940’s bears were considered extirpated from areas of contiguous forest that met multiple habitat the state. Restrictions on black bear hunting in Texas suitability criteria based on food availability, cover, were instituted in 1973, and by 1987, bear hunting and human impact factors. Based on these criteria, was prohibited statewide. Bears were listed on the they identified 6 recovery units primarily located in state endangered species list in 1987 and the status bottomland forests along major river basins (Pecan was changed to “threatened” in 1996. State criminal Bayou and Sulphur River in northeast Texas and penalties for illegal killing of a bear in east Texas the Trinity, Sabine, and Neches rivers in southeast range up to $10,000. Texas). Based on habitat suitability index models, Bears have established a stable or growing scores for these recovery units were comparable population in western Texas in the Big Bend National for areas of the Southeast currently supporting Park region though natural recolonization from bear populations. Furthermore, the acreages of adjacent Mexico and smaller populations persist in suitable habitat for all recovery units exceeded the panhandle and Trans-Pecos regions of the state. those reported to support stable or growing populations of the Louisiana black bear in Louisiana.

22 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 23 Bear Ecology Bears are one of the world’s most adaptable carnivores. Their reasoning ability, long-term memory, omnivorous food habits, dexterity, speed, strength, sense of smell, and elusive behavior contribute to their success through entire sole of their feet (called plantigrade). When evolutionary time. bears are interested in getting a better look or scent of something, they will stand on their hind legs, giving them an even more human-like appearance. Physical Description Black bears in the region are normally black with a Reproduction brown muzzle and an occasional white blaze on the Mating generally occurs in the summer months and chest. Average body weights are 150 to 350 pounds egg implantation is usually delayed for about five for adult males and 120 to 250 for adult females. months. Female black bears typically begin having The largest Louisiana black bear weight recorded in cubs at three to five years of age. Females as young recent years was a 540 lb male from the Tensas River as two years of age may reproduce in high quality National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The largest Louisiana habitats. Conversely, females in marginal habitats bear on record was a male bear killed in 1930 in may not produce young prior to their seventh year. the Baldwin Swamp in St. Mary Parish. That animal Food availability prior to the denning season has a weighed 720 lbs. Body lengths range from 3 to 6 significant bearing on litter size. Cubs are born in feet from nose to their short tail. Size typically varies winter dens in January and February. Although two or depending on the quality and quantity of available three cub litters are most common, litter sizes range food. Like humans, bears walk flat-footed on the from one to five, depending on the age and condition

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 25 of the female. Cubs are born in a helpless state. in one area before moving to new bedding sites. Measuring about 8 inches in length and weighing 8 Pregnant females, the first to seek den sites, usually to 12 ounces, they develop and grow rapidly largely choose sites that are more secure and inaccessible because of the richness of bear milk. The sex ratio at than those typically selected by males. Females prefer birth is usually one male to one female. large, hollow trees, as these provide dry, secure, and well-insulated cover, but will also den in brushpiles Mother and cubs leave the den in April or May when and thickets. As many thousands of acres of marginal the young weigh from four to eight pounds. The cubs farmland have been replanted to hardwood forest, than females, often covering 2 to 8 times the area stay with their mother through the first year, which more females are found denning in the thick cover of females. Some adult male bears in the Tensas includes sharing a winter den. In mild winters, with provided by these early successional plantings. basin ranged up to 35 miles from their capture site. residual food sources available, it is not uncommon Estimates of average annual home range sizes for the family unit to remain active through the indicate adult males use 20,000 acres and adult winter. Cubs, now called yearlings, emerge with the females use 5,000 acres, although individual home mother again in the spring, and live with her until ranges can vary widely. For example, one adult male the summer when the family unit dissolves. Male in the upper Atchafalaya Basin ranged over 85,000 offspring tend to disperse, while females remain and acres. set up home ranges near the mother’s home range. When the family unit dissolves, the female then goes Bears often utilize “daybeds” under forested cover. back into estrus, breeds, and repeats the cycle. These sites are usually shallow, unlined depressions unique metabolic and physiological processes and scratched in soft ground or leaf litter. Mothers with there is no degenerative bone loss during dormancy. cubs often bed at the base of the largest tree in the Black bears exhibit varying degrees of lethargy while area. The female sends the cubs up the tree if she denning, but most can easily be aroused if disturbed. senses danger and either climbs the tree with them, remains at the base of the tree or exits the area Denning activity is influenced by a number of alone. Sometimes bears will rest above ground in the factors: food availability, age, gender, reproductive crown or lower branches of a tree. condition, photoperiod, and weather conditions. Generally, pregnant females are the first to den, Movements Older adult males exert social pressure on younger bears, especially during the spring and summer followed by females with young of the year, solitary Monitoring bear movements has revealed that bears breeding season, forcing them to disperse to other females, and finally males. Factors contributing to are usually crepuscular (most active around dusk areas. Dispersal of bears, especially young males, interruption of the denning period or the changing and dawn), although activity varies by season. For Denning/Hibernation puts them at considerable risk. Their movements of den sites during a given winter include human example, bears are most active in the fall, when they Based on the Tensas and Atchafalaya River Basin activity, rapidly fluctuating water levels, fluctuating are trying to build up their fat reserves before winter. studies in Louisiana, the onset of denning occurs from extremes in weather conditions, and the lack of During this time, bears may forage day and night. late November to early January. Activity, movement, concealment of ground dens. Data collected by and home range generally decrease rapidly during this monitoring denning behavior indicate bears are Home range sizes vary from year to year, and from period as bears enter “pre-dens” or nests, or enter the more active in winter months in the lower Mississippi season to season, depending on population density, den where they will spend the winter. River Valley than at more northern latitudes. Recent food availability, sex, age, and reproductive status. observations indicate that some females with cubs, Home ranges for males may increase during the Black bears are not true hibernators. They go through especially in the coastal Louisiana population, mating season in summer and both male and female a winter dormancy period termed “carnivorean actively forage in the area near the den, leaving their bears move extensively in fall. lethargy,” or torpor, which helps them survive food cubs for short periods and returning to care for them. shortages and severe winter weather. During the Bear activity revolves around the search for food, winter “sleep” bears do not eat, drink, urinate, For some bears, usually males, winter inactivity may cover, and mates during the breeding season. or defecate. Waste products are recycled through be nothing more than bedding for a few days or weeks Male black bears move much greater distances

26 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 27 take them to unfamiliar areas, often those inhabited nutrition. Bears spend a considerable amount of time by humans. In their attempt to locate a new home, foraging for food, using their keen sense of smell they cross roads and highways, increasing the to locate food sources. Feeding signs are usually chances of being hit by motor vehicles, and will evident in areas of bear activity, including torn likely cross areas inhabited by humans. This creates logs, broken saplings, clawed trees, and trampled potentially dangerous situations for both humans food plants. Bears utilize all levels of the forest and bears. Because of the stress and increased for feeding; from the forest floor to the treetops. human interaction, dispersing bears have a reduced Excellent climbers, they can gather foods from chance of survival. treetops and vines.

Studies document that uncleared drains, ditches, After emerging from dens in spring, bears may bayous, and river banks are frequently used to initially be in a “semi-fasting” state as they traverse open land when moving from one forested continue to utilize remaining fat reserves. Food is tract to another. Travel corridors are important to relatively scarce during this period and weight loss the movements of adult bears and the dispersal of is often more rapid than during denning. Succulent juveniles through agricultural lands, particularly vegetation is first utilized for food and then foods when they are residing in separate tracts of forested such as residual hard mast (acorns, pecans, etc.), lands or in a severely fragmented forest. Females are agricultural crops, and insects are consumed. especially reluctant to move from one forest block With the arrival of summer, soft mast including to another if there is no vegetative cover linking the dewberries, blackberries, wild grapes, elderberry, two areas. Drainage ditches lined with trees and persimmon, pokeweed, devil’s walking stick, thistle, brush, even as narrow as 30 feet, are used by bears and palmetto will become staples in the diet. In to pass through open agricultural areas. Based on the fall, hard mast, such as acorns and pecans, is a comparative data, this may be a minimum width for a particularly important fat and carbohydrate-rich food viable corridor; however, a good rule of thumb would source that provides the fat reserves necessary for be “the wider the better.” bears to enter the denning period in proper health. Bears exhibit their most rapid weight gain during fall, Food Habits thus, hard mast is considered a critical food source Classified as a carnivore (i.e., meat-eating animal) by at this time. taxonomists, Louisiana black bears are not usually Agricultural crops supplement natural foods and active predators and rarely prey on vertebrate can be very important food sources throughout the animals. There are many stories of bears feeding on year, especially in areas of extremely fragmented nutria and other furbearers caught in traps during habitat and high bear density. For example, corn the days when fur trapping was a viable vocation. is an important forage crop for the large number There have been no reports of Louisiana black bears of bears inhabiting the Epps Plantation tracts in preying on livestock or pets in recent history. (There Madison Parish, Louisiana. Bears will readily take have been a few instances of bears harming dogs in advantage of food opportunities provided by man. defense of their cubs or when attacked by the dogs.) Besides crops from both commercial and residential Bears are better described as opportunistic feeders plantings, bears can get into trouble for getting into as they eat almost anything that is available, thus garbage and pet foods. In areas where bears are they are more typically omnivorous. present, it is important for measures to be taken to The growth rate, maximum size, breeding age, litter prevent access to these tempting foods (see Living size, and cub survival of black bears are all linked to with Bears chapter)

28 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 29 bears den in tree cavities. On the Tensas River NWR, where some winter flooding is common, about 70% of the bears den in trees. The federal listing specifically states that den trees, den tree sites, and candidate den trees in occupied habitat are to be protected. Candidate den trees are considered to be bald cypress and tupelo gum with visible cavities, having a minimum diameter at breast height (dbh) of 36 inches, and occurring in or along rivers, lakes, streams, bayous, sloughs, or other water bodies. However, studies throughout the region frequently document other tree species used as den sites (e.g., green Ash, American elm, sweetgum, water hickory, overcup oak) that are not necessarily over water.

Additional foraging opportunities are made available by the maintenance of small, scattered permanent wildlife openings in or adjacent to the forest. Natural vegetation, cultivated grains and forage crops (e.g., wheat, oats, rye, corn, clover), and plants found Photo by Brad Parsk Brad by Photo along the edge of forest openings (e.g., blackberries, Habitat Requirements little chance of close contact or visual encounters dewberries, pokeweed, elderberry, devil’s walking with humans. The thick understory typical in stick) are beneficial to bears. Most Louisiana black bears that exist today do so managed bottomland hardwood forests provide Black bears use heavy cover for daybed and den primarily in relatively large contiguous areas of such natural cover. The quality of escape cover can sites. Most bears in the Atchafalaya Basin use bottomland hardwood habitat. The ingredients be enhanced when slash and vegetative growth brushpiles and other ground nests for daybeds and of prime black bear habitat include escape cover, resulting from prescribed timber management winter dens. Ground dens are typically made next dispersal corridors, abundant and diverse natural practices such as shelterwood cuts, intermediate to discarded logs or in thick briar and vine growth. foods, water, and den sites. Because bears are thinnings, and small elongated clear-cuts are Bears in the Tensas River Basin often use daybed adaptable, habitat generalists, a well-managed, combined with natural understory thickets. productive forest can reliably provide the essentials sites in hardwood forests that have been logged of good black bear habitat. As the bear population Forest management practices also encourage food within the previous five years. Winter den sites in increases, bears will expand their range and occupy production for bears. Grasses, thistles, blackberries, the Tensas Basin, in the past, were predominately less desirable habitat, including those in close pokeweed, and several fruiting vines are common in found in tree cavities rather than ground dens. But proximity to humans. managed forest habitats. Elderberry, devil’s walking as the bear population has grown and thousands of stick, French mulberry, red mulberry, and wild grapes acres of marginal cropland have been converted back High quality escape cover is especially critical for all benefit from scattered openings in forest canopy. to a forested condition, ground dens have become bears that live in fragmented habitats and in close Rotting wood from decomposing logging slash more common. Cavity trees are especially important proximity to humans. Black bears are adaptable and harbors protein-rich, colonial insects like ants and in seasonally flooded areas. In the White River NWR

can thrive if afforded areas of retreat that ensure termites, which are sought by bears most of the year. in southeast Arkansas, for example, over 90% of Harlan Veni by Photo

30 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 31 Management of Forest Habitat

Management strategies Habitat Diversity Diversity is the key to maintaining good bear habitat. should be dictated by In some areas, bear densities are extremely high and home ranges are relatively small in part because of site, soils, and landowner the mix of bottomland hardwoods, managed timber, and agriculture on the landscape. Diversity within the forest stand is also important. Maintaining a objectives. diversity of age classes, stand types, and vegetative composition within the forest will provide excellent Many positive benefits to overall land stewardship habitat conditions for black bears. Stand diversity can be gained from managing habitats for black will be greater using an uneven-age management bears. Forest and agricultural practices that benefit system, with single tree selection, group selection, bears also benefit many other wildlife species. Most or small patch harvest cuts. Harvesting operations of the practices described as beneficial for bears should be scheduled to create optimum between- coincide with Best Management Practices (BMP) stand diversity by scheduling cuts on adjacent for forestry and soil conservation practices for compartments at different times. The size, shape, agriculture. arrangement and proximity of harvest cuts should be relative to state BMPs as well as black bear needs. Practices that promote black bear habitat are outlined throughout the following section. Landowners whose management objectives include timber, wildlife, or agriculture, and who desire to enhance their lands for bears can incorporate the following guidelines into their individual management strategies.

General Forest Management Guidelines In general, species composition and management strategies should be dictated by site, soils, and the management objectives of the landowner. All management activities should comply with state Best Management Practices (BMPs). Special areas may be identified in a given tract area or region, and management strategies formulated to maintain or Streamside Management Zones enhance them. Such areas should include cypress Travel corridors that allow bears to move through stands for den sites, canebreaks, palmetto or other vegetative cover from one forest block to another are thickets for escape cover, key hard and soft mast extremely important components of bear habitat. sources for food, and corridors connecting forested Connecting the currently isolated bear populations areas for travel cover. living in separate forested areas is one of the US

Photo by Veni Harlan Veni by Photo © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 33 Fish and Wildlife Service’s criteria for recovering frequent flooding occurs, forestry operations should the species. Because bears will take advantage of concentrate logging debris (e.g., cut tree tops, cull waterways to travel through their home ranges, piles, slash) on higher ground to prevent bears from Streamside Management Zones (SMZs) can provide selecting den sites in debris that could flood during travel corridors and other benefits to bears. A SMZ winter. is a vegetated buffer zone along streams, bayous, and drainages that aids in preventing erosion and siltation but also provides critical elements for good wildlife habitat. Because a majority of SMZs are managed for hardwoods, they can provide hard mast production, den sites, and escape cover as well as travel corridors. These areas should be managed by selective harvesting, favoring hard mast species and cavity tree den sites. State BMPs and site characteristics should be employed during layout of Den Sites Forest Openings SMZs. If included in the timber base, SMZs should Black bears den in heavy cover or tree cavities in Some small forest openings should be maintained be wide enough to be a silviculturally manageable winter. Most bears in the Atchafalaya Basin den in in early successional natural plant species such as stand separate from adjacent stands. Mature hollow brushpiles next to discarded logs or in thick briar dewberry or pokeweed or in planted foods. Plantings or cull hardwoods should be left along drainages in and vine growth. Winter den sites in the Tensas Basin Roads of corn or clover in summer and small grains and SMZs and travel corridors for potential denning sites. in the past were predominately found in tree cavities Roads may influence bear movements and habitat clover in winter are beneficial. These areas should These trees should be marked and protected during rather than ground dens. A dramatic increase in use, although responses vary depending on road be burned, bush-hogged or disked on a 3 to 5 year management activities. Fire should be excluded acreage restored through federal conservation type, traffic volume, and where they are located cycle. Emphasis should be placed on integrating from these areas, except on soils and slopes where initiatives has changed the landscape to where on the landscape. Previous studies suggested that forest and agricultural management by utilizing the plowing of fire lanes would result in more site many bears are now denning on the ground in the bears avoid wide areas along busy roads, but roads existing adjacent agricultural fields or rights-of-way damage than a cool burn. Herbicides should only thick vegetative cover provided in early successional with low traffic do not necessarily affect bear habitat for the permanent openings. be applied in an SMZ on a selective/individual tree stages on restored sites. The federal listing use. In fact, logging roads with little vehicular traffic basis, and are otherwise discouraged to protect specifically states that den trees, den tree sites, and are used by bears for travel and foraging along Bottomland Hardwood Timber water sources. The SMZs should be as wide as candidate den trees in occupied habitat are to be the roadside. Maintenance of wide roadsides will possible, based on site evaluation and landowner protected. Candidate den trees are considered to be promote the production of soft mast. These areas Management objectives. By increasing the width of the SMZ, the bald cypress and tupelo gum with visible cavities, should be burned, bush-hogged or disked on a 3 habitat for bears would be enhanced. having a minimum diameter at breast height (dbh) to 5 year cycle. Construction of logging and other I. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS of 36 inches, and occurring in or along rivers, lakes, roads that may provide permanent routes of access Large tracts of naturally-occurring mature streams, bayous, sloughs, or other water bodies. to occupied bear habitat should be limited to a bottomland hardwood forest, composed of a mix However, studies throughout the region frequently minimum of 1/2 mile apart. Using gates to control of tree species, will provide for black bear needs document other tree species used as den sites that vehicular traffic on these roads after completion of without intensive management. For example, are not necessarily over water. Landowners wishing logging will limit disturbances to bears. natural disturbance in the form of tree falls and wind to manage for den trees should retain as many trees storms typically provide sufficient forest openings that are >36 in dbh with visible cavities as feasible, needed for forage production and cover. One option regardless of tree species or proximity to water. for naturally occurring bottomland hardwood Through work on the Tensas River NWR, researchers stands is to leave these stands unmanaged. suggest landowners managing bear den trees However, if habitat conditions are inappropriate maintain a minimum of 5% of their forests managed or if a landowner’s objective is to harvest timber in the >250 yr age class. From studies in southern products from the land for income, the following Arkansas, researchers suggest that in areas where recommendations should be considered.

34 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 35 It is important to maintain a diverse bottomland be left for bedding areas and for foraging sites for hardwood forest of maximum growing vigor. From insects, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and a bear habitat standpoint, a productive forest small mammals. Deadfall trees should also be left stimulates yield from hard mast (e.g., oak, pecan, undisturbed for foraging sites for insects. hickory) and soft mast (e.g., blackgum, wild grape, II. REGENERATION/MANAGEMENT blackberry) producing trees and vegetation that maintains a diversity of animal foods. Black bears Natural regeneration of key species such as hard depend largely on fall and early winter mast crops mast producers can be achieved through planned to provide enough fat reserves to survive winter silvicultural management operations. Natural dormancy. Management of a timber stand for oaks regeneration through group selection or small and other hard mast producing species is good for patch removals will enhance regeneration of shade production of high quality hardwood timber and intolerant species such as oaks. optimum black bear foraging habitat. Maximizing Early successional food plants (e.g., dewberry, tree vigor and hard mast production will benefit blackberry, elderberry, pokeberry) also benefit bears as well as all other wildlife species that depend from these harvest practices that allow sunlight on this carbohydrate-rich food source. Maintaining a to penetrate to the forest floor. In intensive short diversity of age classes, stand types, and vegetative rotation hardwood plantations, use coppice (or composition within the forest will provide excellent stump sprout) regeneration when feasible to habitat conditions for black bears. Rotation length regenerate within one year of harvesting. Where for crop trees should be a minimum of 50 years, with feasible, land managers can intercrop with grains 70-100 years preferred for hard mast production. (soybeans, wheat) for at least the first year. Intermediate cuts should be designed to improve species composition, remove individual trees of poor III. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS quality or vigor, promote regeneration of desirable Forest management practices in natural stands timber species, encourage food production and should incorporate guidelines to insure that several create escape and nesting cover for bears and a trees 30” dbh or greater are present on each tract variety of other wildlife species. Stand thinnings or management unit. This will insure large trees are should be made when it is economically and available for avenues of escape and security for silviculturally feasible, preferably with 5 to 15 year mother and cubs and provide for future den trees intervals. Although regular thinnings are compatible in the stand. Females with cubs typically select with maintenance of suitable black bear habitat, cuts the base of the largest tree in the vicinity for their should carefully consider protection of existing and daybed site. Leaving a few clumps of large standing potential den trees (see III. Special Considerations). trees in each compartment will increase use of these Mid-story timber stand improvement (TSI) can be areas by mother bears. accomplished in such a manner as to remove less desirable non-commercial species (e.g., American hornbeam, box elder, eastern hop hornbeam) while encouraging those desirable to bears (e.g., mulberry, swamp dogwood, spicebush). Diameter-limit harvest (or high-grading) should be avoided as this may lead to a change in stand composition detrimental to bear habitat and timber stand quality over a long rotation (top-bottom) Bald Cypress, Mayhaw, Red Swamp Maple, (top-bottom) Water Oak, Pokeweek, Willow Oak, Dogwood, Tupelo period. When feasible, logging slash and tops should Muscadine, Black Gum

36 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 37 of quality black bear habitat. Several hardwood should maximize edge habitat by using irregularly seedling nurseries in Louisiana are attempting to shaped cuts where feasible based on site topography. Key Bottomland Hardwood Plant Species grow switchcane for use in habitat restoration efforts. To create maximum between-stand diversity, there should be at least 7 years difference in age classes CANOPY MID-STORY UNDER-STORY between adjacent regeneration areas. High between- stand diversity will help ensure a constant supply of Nuttall Oak Sassafras Blackberry soft mast within a relatively small area. Willow Oak Red Mulberry Dewberry Even-aged pine stands should be thinned as soon Water Oak Dogwood Pokeweed as economically feasible (typically by 15 years). This Cherrybark Oak Persimmon Elderberry practice will produce a more vigorous pine stand as Overcup Oak Black Gum Green Briar well as allow sunlight to penetrate to the forest floor and encourage soft mast production and growth of Cow Oak Mayhaw Devil’s Walking Stick vigorous herbaceous vegetation. Live Oak Switch Cane French Mulberry Shumard Oak Paw Paw Muscadine III. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Sweet Pecan Swamp Holly Wild Grape Fire in the upland pine ecosystem is a natural occurrence. Burning in pine stands should be Water Hickory Winterberry Poison Ivy conducted on a 3 to 5 year rotation depending on Bald Cypress Sugarberry site condition. If adult female bears are known to Blackgum be in the area, use caution when burning in winter during the first 5 years after initial harvest. Burning Green Ash during this time period may disturb bears denning Water Tupelo in this thick, early successional cover. Poor soils and dry sites should be burned less often. Planted pine stands should be burned as soon as practical (7 to Canebreak Management of competing vegetation. On suitable sites, especially 10 years after establishment) and after intermediate abandoned agricultural fields, public transportation thinnings. Contact your state forestry agency about and utility rights-of-way, opportunities exist for timing of burns, the possibility for technical or financial I. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS artificial regeneration of switchcane. If seed is Upland Pine Management assistance, and liability issues surrounding this Canebreaks historically were associated with available, direct seeding is the favored method of practice. Hardwood areas and Streamside Management Louisiana black bear habitat. Extensive stands of propagation. Another effective method of artificial I. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS Zones (SMZs) should always be protected from fire. switchcane provide habitat diversity, cover, and regeneration, although potentially labor intensive, When upland areas are managed intensively for a seasonal food supply for many wildlife species, involves rhizome transplanting with and without pine production, managers typically use an even- including deer, rabbits, and black bears. Less attached culms. aged management strategy for regeneration of pine Upland Mixed Pine-Hardwood abundant than in the past, switchcane habitat stands. Even-aged silvicultural activities include Management should be favored in hardwood forest stands when III. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS two basic methods: 1) leaving seed trees for natural managing for the Louisiana black bear. Switchcane life history traits, including its periodic regeneration, and 2) harvest cuts with some form of I. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS seeding events and its susceptibility to decline from site preparation for artificial regeneration through Upland sites where stands of timber are comprised II. REGENERATION/MANAGEMENT frequent prescribed burns, intensive cattle grazing, seedling planting. of a mixture of pine and hardwood tend to be On selected areas where lack of cover is deemed to and agricultural clearing, justify special management managed differently than pure pine stands. Several be a limiting factor, natural regeneration of existing procedures for expansion of this habitat type. Areas II. REGENERATION/MANAGEMENT different types of hardwood trees (oak, cherry, stands of cane should be encouraged to expand with existing stands of switchcane deserve protective To create high quality bear habitat, harvest should hickory, sweetgum, beech) can be found intermixed through the removal of overstory trees and clearing measures to conserve this valuable component maximize forest age and type diversity. Harvest shape with pine. The age classes of the trees may be the

38 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 39 same or vary, depending on when previous cuttings Regeneration from seed is usually more complex. decision to harvest is made. Removal of all trees in took place and what was harvested. These stands Both species produce adequate to excellent seed permanently flooded areas will almost inevitably lead can provide good habitat for black bears and still crops yearly, with abundant crops every 3-5 years. to conversion of forested wetlands to open water meet the landowner’s objectives. Tupelo is the most consistent and prolific of the because regeneration is hindered by the constant two species. Cypress needs exposed wet soil for presence of water. The biggest challenge in maintaining a mixed pine- germination and continued moisture for about 2-3 hardwood site is managing the lower story of trees. years for seedlings to become established. When managing stands of tupelo and cypress in The hardwood component of the stand is often occupied bear habitat, trees with visible cavities or made up of primarily shade tolerant trees that will Flooding is a constant threat to first year seedlings. defects in the top or bole should be excluded from respond to sunlight once the overstory is removed. Seedlings from either species will experience early the harvest and protected from logging damage. However, pine seedlings that are released from the mortality if they are submerged for any length of time Bears will select these trees for denning sites and older, mature trees will usually grow faster than during the first growing season. Once established, escape cover. the hardwoods and will be the dominant species growth is vigorous during the early years. Depending for several years. Since acorns and other hard mast upon site quality and growing conditions, timber provide bears with an important source of food in the Cypress Tupelo Management grows to saw log size within 80 years. fall, forest management activities should favor oaks or other hard mast species as the stand develops. I. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS III. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Management of cypress and tupelo stands is integral II. REGENERATION/MANAGEMENT Vigorous growth in dense stands causes pruning to the restoration of the Louisiana black bear. to occur early on, producing good quality bole The removal of the overstory, and the timing of this These stands are generally found in close proximity development. Thinning should begin by age 20 if operation, will determine which species of trees to bodies of water. Bears use this habitat type markets are available. Thinning to 70 to 80 trees will become dominant as time passes. Harvesting primarily for escape cover and denning sites. When per acre will maintain high rates of growth and bole of trees should result in openings large enough the FWS formally listed the Louisiana black bear as quality. Subsequent thinnings should be conducted that soft mast will be produced and utilized by threatened, cypress and tupelo were afforded special at 10 year intervals to remove poor quality stems. bears. Normally, groups of trees or “patches” of the protection due to the importance of those trees as overstory are removed, which produce the openings bear denning sites. All cypress and tupelo adjacent Natural stands where little information is known that are needed for soft mast food species (e.g., to water that are 36 inches diameter at breast height concerning age and growth can be maintained at dewberry, pokeberry, blackberry, French mulberry) (dbh) or larger, with visible signs of defects (i.e. higher stand densities than artificially regenerated to have sufficient sunlight to grow. After a few years, cavities, broken tops), must be protected in areas stands. Natural stands may be maintained with few these openings will become impenetrable thickets designated as critical habitat for the Louisiana black or no harvests until the trees reach targeted size. with many hardwood sprouts and pine seedlings bear and should be protected in any area known to For periodic income from these natural stands and growing vigorously. Although availability of natural be occupied by bears. to shorten the time to reach a desired diameter, foods declines over time as openings mature, bears selective harvests may be done, removing the poorer will utilize those sites as denning areas because of II. REGENERATION/MANAGEMENT quality trees and maintaining a density of 70-100 trees per acre. the thick cover provided. Also, rotting logs, stumps, Management of cypress and tupelo stands is and logging slash from the harvest operation will similar with a few minor differences. Regeneration Retention of small isolated groups and individual provide good sources of grubs, insects and beetles. is generally from stump sprouts of trees up to 14” trees of cypress or tupelo within other stands dbh if sufficient sunlight is available. Usually tupelo III. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS of bottomland hardwoods can benefit bears. sprouts at higher rates than cypress, so care must When harvesting for regeneration purposes, If large openings are made at the time of harvest, the be taken to prevent harvested stands from becoming consideration should be given to these isolated landowner should consider leaving some groups of dominated by tupelo. Because a large amount of stands or individuals to promote regeneration and large trees scattered across the tract for females with sunlight is needed to stimulate stump sprouting provide escape for bears. In areas where water is cubs to use as a means of escape. Also, trees with and sprout survival, harvesting these stands is the present much of the year (e.g., Lower Atchafalaya), cavities should be maintained for den sites. preferred method of regeneration. careful consideration should be taken when the

40 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 41 Agricultural Considerations Food plots developed within forested habitat for game may be used by black bears. Commonly planted forage species include clovers, wheat, oats, ryegrass and other grasses and legumes.

While forestlands provide optimum bear habitat, agricultural lands can be managed to enhance overall bear habitat quality. Use of various habitat management techniques on agricultural lands next to or interspersed with forested tracts can serve to improve and expand wildlife habitat. Agricultural All pesticides and herbicides should be used in habitat management practices beneficial to bears accordance with label guidelines and State and could be as simple as crop selection or as intensive Federal regulations. Application of chemicals to as the development of wildlife corridors or even crops adjacent to forested tracts or travel corridors the total conversion of marginal agricultural land to should be done so that adjacent wildlife habitat hardwood trees. The habitat management options is not harmed. A buffer adjacent to forested lands chosen will depend on both the site and objectives of may be left unsprayed, as various plant species in the landowner. wooded areas adjacent to cropland provide food and cover and could be damaged by drift or inadvertent Bear habitat quality can be favorably influenced by application. No chemical labeled as harmful to large both crop selection and location. Crops such as corn, mammals should be applied to cropland within sugarcane, and winter wheat benefit bears more than occupied or potential bear habitat. soybeans or cotton, not only as forage, but also for cover. Locating preferred crops adjacent to forested Landowners may opt to develop corridors by leaving lands and travel corridors helps maximize those land idle and letting it revert to native vegetative benefits. Leaving a percentage of the crop in areas cover. Locating set-aside acres next to forested lands, near forests also benefits bears and other wildlife. ditches, or sloughs can provide additional wildlife

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 43 habitat. If located next to ditches or in sloughs that join two forested tracts of land, these fallow areas can serve as travel corridors. When managed properly, vegetated areas along drainage ditches and bayous can provide suitable corridors to allow movement of bears among fragmented tracts of otherwise suitable habitat. To allow for adequate cover, these areas should be as wide as possible. If access to drainage ditches is required for periodic maintenance, the corridor could be located on one side of the ditch, leaving the other side open for maintenance access. For producers participating in an acreage reduction program, set-aside acreage (acreage in a conservation program, like Conservation Reserve Program) can be located or used in a manner that provides beneficial wildlife habitat for bears and other species.

Food plots developed within forested habitat for game may be used by black bears. Commonly planted forage species include clovers, wheat, oats, ryegrass and other grasses and legumes. If maintained, food plots within a forested tract should be distributed to minimize fragmentation. For example, they could be grouped fairly close together and close to forest borders rather than distributed evenly throughout the interior. Conservation Programs on One acre blocks of soft mast species that will not compete with larger native trees could also be Agricultural Lands planted and maintained to promote diversity. Food plots planted in annual crops can benefit bears, If a landowner opts to sign up some or all of his especially when corn is planted for summer and farmland into a conservation program, most of these wheat in winter. For information on conservation projects potentially increase bear habitat quality. programs available to private landowners, see Site suitability and landowner objectives should the Contact Information found at the end of this dictate which tree species are selected. Where mast handbook. producing trees and shrubs are being planted, it would be advantageous to diversify the species, as dictated by the soil and site considerations. A combination of hard mast producers from the red and white oak families and sweet pecan would be ideal along with a small amount of soft mast species such as blackgum, mulberry, hackberry, persimmon, haws, plums, dogwood, and sassafras. Direct seeding or planting of seedlings in one acre blocks would provide sufficient soft mast food resources.

44 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 45 Landscape Management: A Coordinated Approach

landowners to forgo other objectives in order to While the BBCC’s achieve overall wildlife benefits for the area, is critical for a successful cooperative management focus is restoring the approach. Management guidelines vary based on: Louisiana black bear, n Size and shape of individual tracts habitat restoration on a n Landowner objectives and attitudes landscape scale has many n Number of landowners more benefits than just n Forest type and condition n Habitat suitability

for the bears. n Possibility for corridor development

Because of the large home ranges of bears, suitable n Management strategies already in place habitat often cannot be maintained on any single ownership. Coordinated landscape management n Extent and location of non-timbered lands may offer the best opportunity for bear management n Recreational objectives and support of and restoration. Landscape management for the black bear calls for coordinated habitat management user groups efforts among multiple landowners across a large area. Landscape management works through a In order to apply the concept of landscape cooperative approach whereby various landowners management to bear restoration, the BBCC laid out and user groups work together to promote bear plans for Bear Management Units (BMUs). Each management. The goal is to focus efforts of a BMU is to be guided by a team of landowners, diverse user group toward common management responsible natural resource management agency objectives that benefit the resource. Some objectives personnel, and community leaders. The program of landscape management for black bears can is entirely voluntary and landowners provide input include preventing further habitat fragmentation, from planning through implementation of the BMU. establishing corridors between existing fragmented Currently, the BBCC is actively seeking out groups habitat, and integrating management among tracts of landowners to create landscape-scale habitat to effectively use fragmented resources. management and restoration “cooperatives.” Lands with such cooperatives are more likely to Successful management at the landscape level is be accepted into conservation programs that offer dependent on mutual cooperation and partnerships financial assistance to private landowners to restore among landowners. The willingness of individual and enhance wildlife habitat.

Photo by Veni Harlan Veni by Photo © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 47 dependent on the same swamp forests, bottomland interior breeding birds such as the Hooded warbler hardwoods, and riparian zone corridors required for (Wilsonia citrina), Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria bear habitat. Cerulean warblers (Dendroica cerulean) citrea), Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), and Swallow-tailed kites (Elanoides forficatus), for and Kentucky warbler (Oporornis formosus). Only example, need forested wetland blocks of 20,000 landscape-scale conservation efforts can address acres and 100,000 acres, respectively, to support issues such as forest fragmentation on the regional source populations. Unfortunately, the bottomland level. In addition to wildlife benefits, restoration hardwood forest remaining is highly fragmented; of forested wetlands and riparian corridors also there are 35,000 discrete forest blocks and most are benefits the public through increased flood less than 500 acres in size. This landscape pattern storage, erosion control, timber production, carbon results in 99% of the remaining forest blocks being sequestration, water quality enhancement, and insufficient to support source populations of forest outdoor recreational opportunities.

The good news is that several initiatives are ongoing to address bottomland hardwood restoration in the Alluvial Valley and elsewhere. Groups called Conservation Delivery Networks have been formed to bring together all the stakeholders and agencies to address these issues. Budget cutbacks hamper these efforts, but by pooling resources, much can be done. Private grant monies have come available through groups like the Walton Family Foundation, an organization who not only has contributed millions of dollars to this effort, but is also encouraging other private groups to follow suit. The Apache Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Apache Corporation (an oil company headquartered in Houston, TX), has already donated 3 million trees to organizations in their operating area in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The BBCC will continue to pursue funding and donated seedlings from these organizations to continue our habitat restoration efforts.

While the BBCC’s focus is restoring the Louisiana Rich food and cover resources are available for black bear, habitat restoration on a landscape many game species, including white-tailed deer, scale has many more benefits than just for the squirrels, rabbits, and waterfowl. There are also bears. Bottomland hardwoods can support 2 to 60 rare plant and animal species and 7 rare natural 5 times as many animals as upland areas in the communities that can benefit from bottomland Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, which makes hardwood restoration and enhancement. Of these 67 conserving this habitat for wildlife a high priority. rare elements, 38 are considered either imperiled or For example, bottomland hardwood bear habitat critically imperiled in the state, and 5 are imperiled provides for the needs of a highly diverse array of or critically imperiled worldwide. The majority of both common and rare plant and animal species. bird species of highest concern in the region are

48 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 49 Living With Bears

presence of a bear, perceived as dangerous, to actual Once educated about property damage or possible safety threats. bears, most people The public needs to be provided with factual information about black bears so that conflicts can are willing to modify be avoided or acceptably resolved. Landowners, agricultural producers and other wildlife resource users educated about bears can minimize bear- behaviors to avoid conflict. caused damage through preventative methods. Once educated about bears, most people readily Successful restoration of the Louisiana black bear is accept their presence and are willing to modify and has always been dependent on public support. certain behaviors to avoid conflict. In most conflict An effective response by wildlife professionals to all situations, no single control technique will solve all reported bear conflicts, whether perceived or real, is nuisance bear problems. However, certain measures critical in determining whether the public views the that are initiated in a timely manner, maintained bear as an asset or a liability. properly, and applied with an understanding of bear behavior, can greatly reduce any problems Most conflicts between bears and humans are associated with bears. The best way to avoid trouble related to the animals’ search for food. Nuisance with bears is to prevent the issues from arising in the activities are usually more common in years when first place. The role that individuals and communities there is a shortage of natural foods. An amazingly play in creating human-bear conflicts has been acute sense of smell enables the bear to find recognized for some time, but rarely have residents sources of nourishment, and unfortunately this been held accountable for removing the source of the can be beehives, garbage, or pet foods. Damage to problem. As a result, hundreds of bears throughout crops such as corn, wheat, oats, watermelon, and the country are destroyed each year. sugarcane has also been reported. When compared to other types of agricultural losses, however, those caused by black bears are relatively small although can be locally severe. Other issues reported to wildlife agencies include bears eating corn and other grains from feeders used by hunters to attract deer and scavenging animals caught in traps set by commercial trappers.

Although generally shy creatures, bears are very intelligent and possess excellent learning and long term memory capabilities. Bears will continue to return to areas where they have found food in the past. Bears lose their instinctive fear of humans quite easily when food conditioned and can become nuisances as a result. Problems vary from the simple

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 51 fear of humans there is little incentive for them to Homeowners and campers in or near occupied bear avoid circumstances that bring the two together. This habitat should avoid attracting bears by dumping could easily result in a dangerous situation, both for wastes in closed containers located away from their people and the bear. homes or campsites. Discarded food wrappers, including candy bars, soft drink cans and pastry Bears and Garbage wrappings, are attractants and should not be thrown on the ground. The best thing to do is what not to do: Garbage management is an integral part of avoiding DON’T LITTER! conflicts with bears. Bears that obtain meals regularly from garbage generally become a nuisance Efforts should be made to secure all garbage because they depend on man for their food and lose containers or deposit all edible wastes in separate their fear of humans. “Garbage dump” bears can containers that are stored where bears cannot gain begin feeding in dumpsters and residential garbage access. When possible, residents in bear habitat cans when landfills and dumps no longer supply a should keep their garbage inside their home or Bears in Your Neighborhood dependable source of food. These bears are more closed utility shed in double-bagged garbage likely to be removed from the population because bags and put garbage out the morning of pick up, Hunting in Bear Country Normally avoiding people, bears will enter this undesirable behavior is very difficult to change. not the night before, to limit the time a bear will Hunting clubs with property in occupied bear habitat neighborhoods in their search for food or just when have access to your garbage. To further eliminate should incorporate bear awareness programs into Landfills located in occupied habitat should be traveling from one place to another. If bears live near attractive odors, wash the refuse containers about their annual list of organizational activities so that managed to discourage bears from using them as your neighborhood, you should initiate preventive once a week with a disinfectant solution. In areas members can learn facts and dispel myths (e.g., a food source. When possible, the perimeter of measures to avoid encouraging nuisance bear where garbage pick up is early in the morning, state the mistaken belief that bears and deer cannot live landfills should be enclosed within bear-resistant behavior. Managing garbage and its disposal is a wildlife agencies can work with local communities in the same area). Identification, behavior, and fences. Additionally, landfill operators should must in avoiding problems with bears. Preventive and waste management companies to schedule later management of black bears should be discussed maintain a small face of exposed garbage and measures are described in the “Bears and Garbage” pick up times to allow for this preventive measure. in formal hunter education programs. Interested completely cover it with a deep layer of dirt. This section. Bear resistant garbage cans are another alternative; hunting clubs should contact the BBCC or the reduces odors and makes it difficult for bears to however, these can be somewhat expensive for appropriate state agency to arrange a presentation Pet foods as well as bird feeders can attract bears. feed. A program to deter bears, developed with the individuals to purchase, but are available to citizens on the Louisiana black bear. Likewise, wildlife If pet food is allowed to remain outdoors for assistance of the appropriate state agency or the in certain communities with a history of conflict. professionals should promote bear conservation extended periods of time a bear will surely find it, BBCC, should be implemented by landfill operators Contact your state wildlife agency or the BBCC for when working with the media, hunters, and other eat it, and will come back looking for more. Bird should problems occur. availability of bear-resistant garbage cans. outdoor enthusiasts. Clubs should also police their feeds have a remarkably high caloric content, 10,000 wildlife resources and report any wildlife violation calories/pound, and are sought by bears looking for Communities across North America are being that is discovered. highly nutritious foods. Removing or placing feeders encouraged to participate in Bear Smart/Wise/Aware out of reach of bears is recommended in occupied Community Programs. These are generally proactive Hunting camps in occupied bear habitat should bear habitat. conservation strategies that encourage efforts by remove offal from skinning sheds as soon as communities, businesses and individuals to reduce possible. This material should be hauled to approved Although feeding wild black bears is illegal in human-bear conflicts; reduce safety risks and the landfills or remote dumpsites, deeply buried, or Louisiana and Arkansas, and strongly discouraged number of bears that are destroyed by addressing completely incinerated. Skinning sheds and other in Mississippi and Texas, problems still occur when the root causes of conflict. To achieve these goals food handling areas should be kept as clean as people, fascinated by a bear near their home or communities must address a number of proactive possible to prevent odors from attracting bears. workplace, toss food out the door so that they can measures like bear-proofing waste systems and watch or photograph the animal. In these situations, eliminating attractants, as well as initiating effective both the humans and the bear quickly lose fear and consistent educational programs, and stepping of each other. Fear of humans is a bear’s most up enforcement. important survival mechanism. Once bears lose their

52 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 53 legal game in some areas. Running of dogs outside supplemental feeding as part of a deer management Fewer conflicts will occur if the use of feeders is the hunting season, particularly in late spring, can program, planting of food plots with cereal abandoned and more emphasis is placed on well Know adversely impact bears by contributing additional grains such as wheat, oats or ryegrass is the best fertilized and limed foodplots or natural vegetation. Your rget! stress during a time when bears have just emerged alternative for avoiding conflicts with black bears. Fertilizing briar thickets and other natural vegetation Ta from winter dens and are searching for foods. Using feeders in white-tailed deer management often will be more attractive to deer and not as appealing In addition, dogs may harm or kill cubs caught causes conflicts between black bears and humans. to bears and other generalists. on the ground. Control of free-ranging dogs in Whole kernel corn is the most common type of occupied habitat could also reduce the likelihood of ✓Snout grain for feeding and baiting white-tailed deer. Bears and Campsites potentially dangerous confrontations between dog ✓Head Distributing corn or other grains in piles on the ✓Ears handlers and bears. When participating in outdoor activities in occupied ground or in open feeders (“free feeding”) is not bear habitat, thinking ahead can help prevent bear In some areas, a program to control feral hogs may only costly in terms of the amount needed, but also encounters. Outdoorsmen should be as noisy as be warranted. Feral hogs can significantly lower the invites problems where black bears regularly occur. possible when walking in bear habitat, especially Since black bear and large feral hogs are similar quality of habitat for bears and other native species. Free feeding provides a reliable food source, making when fresh bear sign is encountered. If possible, in appearance, hog hunters should be especially The BBCC and state agencies can provide technical conflicts unavoidable. Large amounts of corn left in avoid walking at dawn, dusk and during the night, certain of their target in areas where black bear support for addressing feral hog problems. In areas an open environment are not usually consumed in as these times are when bears are most active. and feral hog populations overlap. Because the where both hogs and bears are found, hunters time to prevent souring. The odor of sour grain is an Remember, however, bear encounters can occur at Louisiana black bear is listed as threatened under should be especially careful of their targets as excellent bear attractant because of their keen sense any time. the Endangered Species Act, killing bears within large hogs can appear similar to bears. Feral hogs of smell. Switching bait types from preferred bear the historic range of the subspecies carries federal are more aggressive than bears, so when there is foods like corn to less attractive foods like soybeans It is much easier to keep bears from being attracted and state penalties that can includes heavy fines, a conflict between the two species, the hogs will or rice bran can also help reduce bear activity at bait to hunting camps, campsites or picnic areas before suspension of hunting privileges, and/or jail time. generally dominate. Feral hogs can force bears out sites. The distribution of grain in smaller amounts by a problem starts. Camps are sometimes visited and Outdoorsmen should avoid confrontations with of good habitat and into poorer habitats, including “controlled feeding,” via timed feeding mechanisms, the Louisiana black bear by practicing safe hunting those occupied by humans. Traps set to capture feral is a more cost-effective means of providing methods. hogs should have an opening in the top large enough supplemental feed for white-tailed deer. to allow bears to escape if captured. Hunters should gut and remove game carcasses from When you are using direct feeding of corn and the kill site as quickly as possible, never leaving the other grains, controlled feeding devices hung in the gut pile on or near a trail. Do not drag the carcass proper manner will eliminate many problems that back to the campsite, as this just creates a clear occur when black bear and white-tailed deer are scent trail for bears to follow. Hang the carcass at found in the same area. Many types of timed feeding least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet from the mechanisms exist, varying from homemade rigs to attachment point, also making sure to remove any more elaborate electrical devices available at many bloody clothes or items and hang them at a safe feed stores or hunting supply outlets. Whatever distance along with all other attractants. Bears may design is used, method of placement is the most still appear and investigate the carcass; so upon critical factor in avoiding black bear confrontations. returning, the hunter should approach upwind The agility and resourcefulness of black bears require and make noise while always scanning the area. If that any type of feeding device be suspended out of a bear has obtained the carcass, a hunter should their reach. It is recommended that the base of any not attempt to approach or reclaim the kill as this Bears and Deer Feeders hanging feeder be at least 8 feet above the ground; may antagonize the bear and provoke a dangerous additionally, the top should be at least 4 feet from The seasonal abundance of natural foods such situation. the attachment point. Feeder tops should be tightly as berries and acorns will not necessarily deter sealed. To prevent climbing bears from pulling Use of hunting dogs in occupied habitat should black bears from taking advantage of food feeders to within their reach, small diameter cables be controlled as dogs may chase bears instead of options provided by humans. When you are using should be used for suspension of the feeder.

54 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 55 damaged by bears searching for discarded food including a four-wheeler or boat. Discarded food help of an authorized wildlife professional, aversive and garbage. A bear that finds food at one camp wrappers, including candy bars, soft drink cans and conditioning of bears. Properly maintained electric may decide to visit others and cause problems pastry wrappings, are attractants and should not be fencing has been shown to be almost 100% effective there. As bear numbers increase, it will become thrown on the ground. The best thing to do is what in deterring bear damage. Fences can also be used to more important for camp owners to maintain clean, not to do: DON’T LITTER! control ongoing damage. Compact apiaries are easier garbage-free grounds. Bears are like very big to protect with bear-resistant fencing than those raccoons, except bears are much stronger and are Black bears have damaged wooden structures scattered over a larger area. Therefore, beekeepers capable of causing considerable damage in search constructed of pressure-treated lumber in parts of should consolidate hives to form the smallest apiary for food. its range. Some deer hunters have found the wooden that can be practically managed. supports of tower stands gnawed so extensively When camping, the easiest way to prevent attracting that they were rendered unsafe for use. Gnawing Plans for various types of bear-resistant fences and a bear is to eliminate or hide appealing items such bears have also caused extensive damage to wooden other types of damage control information can be as food, but also toothpaste, deodorant, and other signs and outbuildings in some areas. Presumably, obtained from the offices of the U.S. Department of items with strong scents. Bag your food in airtight, chemical salts used to preserve the wood were the Agriculture Wildlife Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife odor containing bags, store the food in a sack or main attractant. Bears and Beehives Service, any of the state wildlife agencies, or the other container, and hang this at least 10 feet above Cooperative Extension Service. This information is the ground and 4 feet from the tree or pole away Use of alternative construction materials should be Damage to bees and hives is the most economically readily available on the Internet. from your campsite. considered where bears regularly damage wooden important agricultural problem associated with the structures. Steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and other Louisiana black bear. A bear that encounters an Campsites, including buildings, should be kept durable materials can be used instead of treated unprotected commercial apiary can destroy or badly as clean as possible. Specific areas should be wood to build and/or shield deer stands, signs, and damage scores of hives in just one night. Losses designated for cleaning fish and game, and these other structures. Foodstuffs that may attract foraging to some beekeepers can be a significant financial areas should be cleaned thoroughly after each use. bears should be removed from unoccupied buildings burden, especially when several apiaries are Refuse from cleaning should be buried deeply or and stored in bear-resistant containers. Contact the managed within the home range of a bear that has stored in a bear-resistant container and removed wildlife department regarding what is considered become a habitual beehive robber. In some cases, from the site. Keep garbage in a locked container and bear resistant. This includes human and pet food and individual beekeepers have reportedly sustained remove it when you leave the camp. food items commonly used to attract wildlife (e.g., as much as $10,000 in damages. It is important for molasses, salt blocks, corn, wheat). Bear-resistant beekeepers to initiate damage prevention strategies Bears will search a container for any cracks or doors, window shutters, and fences can also be used that preclude or minimize bear-caused damage. openings they can get their teeth or claws into to rip to protect unoccupied buildings. open the container. Bears will claw or chew on the Some bears are especially fond of larval bees and Bears, Crops and Livestock material until it gives way or knock or jump on the honey and will actively seek out hives in their home container until it breaks open. Sealed containers range. Consequently, beehives should be located While some bears in western states may prey on that reduce odor or leaking of food material are as far as possible from timber and brush providing livestock, reports of livestock predation by bears recommended. Suitable containers include a locker bears with cover and travel routes. Honey crops in the region are extremely rare. Bears will enter or a steel drum with locking snap rings, PVC plastic should be harvested as soon as possible after the livestock enclosures to feed on livestock food and tubes may be used as long as the diameter is large spring, summer and fall nectar flows to reduce several complaints have been received in Louisiana enough to prevent the bear from crushing the tube the attractiveness of hives to foraging bears, and where bears were in hog or goat pens, eating feed with its mouth. prevent the loss of the new honey crop in the event and intimidating the livestock and scaring the animals of depredation. When possible, apiaries should be from the feeders. As the bear population expands into Absolutely no food or garbage should be left in an moved to new locations if bear activity is detected new areas, however, owners of crops and livestock unoccupied campsite. Corn or other foods used for nearby. To minimize possible damage to hives and in or close to occupied bear habitat should employ baiting should be kept in a locked food container prevent bears from establishing bad habits, apiaries preventative measures to exclude or minimize the inside a storage shed or in the camp. Do not leave in occupied habitat should be protected using potential for bear damage. Crops and livestock should any food in deer stands or in a parked vehicle, electric fences, bear-resistant platforms, or, with the

56 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 57 be inspected frequently so that any damage can be Agencies should also develop and implement discovered quickly, and preventive control measures appropriate access management plans if none can be implemented. Gardens, small fields and currently exist. pastures should be protected with bear-resistant fences if bear damage is anticipated. Farmers should Bears are often killed by motor vehicles as the harvest crops as quickly as possible and consider animals cross highways, especially on roads that planting crops that are not attractive to bears. traverse travel corridors historically used by bears. Highway and natural resource management agencies There are several alternatives to control bear should work to identify these corridors and install damage to crops and livestock. Intensive herding overpasses or culverts under roadbeds. Drift fences practices can lessen the chance that bears will prey can direct bears to culvert entrances and facilitate on livestock. Carcasses of dead animals should movement beneath the roadbed. In addition, be hauled to an approved landfill or destroyed by management of vegetative cover can help reduce deep burial or incineration to prevent bears from bear-vehicle collisions. Crossings may be reduced scavenging near susceptible livestock. Fields or Bears and Roads through removing vegetative cover from roadsides Feeding Bears pastures susceptible to bear damage can employ gas Free access by humans to occupied bear habitat at more dangerous areas and increasing vegetative Problems have occurred when people, fascinated exploders, noise-making pyrotechnics, strobe lights, increases the chance of contact between man and cover around underpasses to encourage use of these by a bear near their home or workplace, have electronic sirens and noise generators, or scarecrows bear. These contacts may lead to the harassment areas. tossed food out the door so that they can watch or to temporarily repel bears. Long-term and repetitious or destruction of bears under certain conditions. Collisions between bears and vehicles may also photograph the animal. In these situations, both use of these devices, however, may render them Managing the area and timing of access to result in human injury or death. Some accidents the humans and the bear quickly lose fear of each ineffective. Livestock guardian dogs (LGD’s) such bear habitat is one strategy for minimizing this could possibly be avoided if drivers were educated other. Fear of humans is a bear’s most important as Anatolian Shepherds or Great Pyrenees are occurrence. becoming more popular with goat, sheep, and about the potential for bears to cross in particular survival mechanism. Once bears lose their fear of chicken farmers, mostly as a deterrent to fox, coyote, On most privately owned land with black bear areas. Informational billboards and brochures, humans there is little incentive for them to avoid and feral dog depredation. But the LGD’s should also habitat, some type of access management program bear crossing signs and reduced speed limits at circumstances that bring the two together. Bear be effective in dissuading bears from investigating has already been implemented by the landowners appropriate locations could be used to alert drivers encounters could easily result in a dangerous the livestock area. Bears don’t like dogs, so just or their lessees. For example, most properties are to the potential presence of bears along certain situation, both for people and the bear. It must be about any breed that barks at a bear would act as a legally posted and patrolled to prevent trespass by highways. remembered that these are wild animals and should deterrent. At some point, if damage occurs, USDA unauthorized individuals. In some cases, access be treated as such. Feeding wild black bears is illegal in Louisiana and Arkansas, and strongly discouraged Wildlife Services or the state wildlife agency should points to private property are controlled with a Types of Human/Bear Interactions be contacted for further control strategies. system of locked gates and limited-use roads. Access 1978-Dec. 31, 2006 (n=12,183) in Mississippi and Texas. to abandoned roads is often further restricted with THREATENED HUMAN 1% APIARY ATTACKED ANIMAL 2% Interaction between humans and bears is always THREATENED ANIMAL 1% gates and other barriers such as trenches, mounded 1% SIGHTING DEAD BEAR to be discouraged. Bears tolerant of human activity dirt, and felled trees. Landowners wanting to develop SICK/INJURED BEAR 0% 7% 5% may become aggressive, especially if a handout is an access management plan for their property can PROPERTY DAMAGE 8% expected. Feeding bears is not recommended in any

use these same techniques to their advantage. IN AREA OTHER 20% situation. “Friendly” bears should not be tolerated 1% and should be reported to an appropriate wildlife Access to publicly owned properties is usually KILLED ANIMAL 4% addressed in operational plans developed by the professional as soon as possible. responsible land-management agency. Each agency IN BUILDING abides by its own set of policies and regulations, 2% IN YARD IN CROPS such as limitations on the use of off-road or all- 19% 0% IN FEED terrain vehicles. Therefore, each should review its 3% IN FEEDER access management plans to determine how these 2%

IN GARBAGE can be adapted to maximize benefits to bears. 24%

58 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 59 Management of Nuisance Behavior

resource being damaged, or by placing a physical Informing the public or psychological barrier between the conflicting resource and wildlife species. These same principles about potential can be applied to management of human/bear conflicts. Due to the legal status of the Louisiana conflicts and black bear, conflict resolution will rely heavily on non-lethal damage control techniques, such as available solutions is barriers, capture and aversive conditioning, and resource management strategies. Destruction of an important strategy offending animals will only be considered if human health and safety is jeopardized and all other in the overall measures have failed. Ideal management plans should emphasize conflict prevention and, when restoration effort. problems arise, the implementation of practical solutions.

Public attitude will dictate whether bears are Hunting is often recommended as a damage control considered an asset or a liability, which will tool because it can reduce wildlife populations ultimately determine whether or not bears can and the associated problems to acceptable levels, survive. Public perception of bears will be partially as well as elicit human-avoiding behavior in the dependent on immediate and effective responses hunted species. Legal harvest may become part of by wildlife professionals to reported conflicts. the overall management plan for the black bear in Black bears may be killed by individuals who are the future. Until the subspecies is recovered and unaware of solutions to simple problems, who feel removed from the ESA list of threatened species, that no effective solution for their particular conflict however, hunting is not considered a management exists, or who think that no one cares. Removing option for the Louisiana black bear. Once the bear the offending individual is only one of the many is delisted, agency biologists will determine if management options available to address nuisance bear problems. Private citizens should not attempt to kill or harm bears. Because the Louisiana black bear is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), killing bears within the historic range of the subspecies carries heavy state and federal penalties that can include hefty fines, suspension of hunting privileges, and jail time. Informing the public about potential conflicts and available solutions is an important strategy in the overall restoration effort.

In general, conflicts between humans and wildlife can be addressed by either managing the animals involved in the conflict, manipulating the

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 61 there is a harvestable surplus of bears that can be related damage. Solar-powered electric fencing Cooperative Management removed from the population while still achieving for bee yards is a prime example of an effective bear recovery and restoration objectives. Local bear barrier to prevent nuisance bear problems. Properly Approach densities, public tolerance for bears, landowner maintained electric fencing has been shown to be Most state wildlife agencies have the sole desires, and other social factors will have to be almost 100% effective in deterring bear damage. responsibility for addressing bear/human conflicts taken into consideration in structuring future bear Fences can also be used to control ongoing damage. when they occur. For example, the Texas Parks harvest regulations by state wildlife agencies. While and Wildlife Department will provide assistance Management of the resources being damaged a harvest may reduce the number of bears, it will not to citizens who report bear problems in Texas and or threatened is also applicable to our goal of eliminate conflicts. those in Arkansas are handled by the Arkansas effectively managing bear/human conflicts. In Game and Fish Commission. In areas where Trapping nuisance bears and releasing them far from some cases, conflicts may be avoided by keeping bears are present within the historic range of the their capture site is called relocation. Relocating susceptible resources away from bear habitat or Louisiana black bear, however, a federal role for nuisance bears can cause them to roam over large by removing attractants that lure bears to those managing the species exists because bears are areas in search of familiar surroundings. Bears have resources. Changing methods and food types used protected as threatened under the Endangered an excellent homing instinct, and will attempt to in baiting deer are good examples of how to manage Species Act. In Louisiana, problems are addressed find their way back to familiar territory. Bears have a resource to reduce nuisance bear problems. Deer by USDA Wildlife Services (USDA-WS) and the been documented traveling up to 400 miles from hunters experiencing unwanted attention from bears Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries relocation sites. This increases their susceptibility at their deer feeders should consider switching (LDWF), in consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife to being killed by vehicles along roads or by humans bait types from preferred bear foods like corn to Service(FWS). In Mississippi, the Mississippi Aversive Conditioning who perceive a threat to their own safety. Because less attractive foods like soybeans or rice bran and Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is the Aversive conditioning of nuisance bears is not new, of the stress and increased human interaction, changing from free feeding with large bait piles to lead agency with assistance from the FWS. State but there have been some recent developments that relocated bears have a greatly reduced chance of time-controlled feeding methods. and federal agencies have worked cooperatively to may offer substantially improved results. Aversive survival. In addition, moving a problem animal develop protocols for addressing conflicts. Written conditioning is simply creating a very negative from one area to another can potentially bring the plans outline standard procedures that will be taken experience for the offending animal, hoping that nuisance problem to the new area. Consequently, when bears create problems, including preventive the negative experience will outweigh the positive bears involved in conflicts with humans should measures, aversive conditioning, and possible rewards offered by the nuisance activity. be left in their established home range whenever removal of offending bears. possible. Many states have abandoned the practice Nuisance bears have traditionally been captured at or relocating nuisance bears and now focus on For several years, a Conflict Management Team the site of the offense, immobilized, marked and educating the public about coexisting with the consisting of the USDA-WS, FWS, LDWF, and the weighed, and allowed to recover from the drugs. animals. Nuisance behavior can be altered through BBCC worked together successfully in Louisiana. When released, the bears were hazed with rubber live trapping, aversive conditioning, and releasing Louisiana has since delegated bear nuisance buckshot, firecrackers, or pepper sprays. In some bears into the same general area. This can be calls to their Private Lands Biologists in areas of cases, this worked well. However, many nuisance accomplished by using the bear’s intelligence the state with potential problems and now has bears that were habituated to humans and either and quick learning ability to “teach” bears to stop a full-time bear biologist on staff. Efficient and food or garbage, often continued their nuisance nuisance behavior. This is referred to as aversive effective response to complaints is more feasible activity after capture and hazing. These bears might conditioning (see Aversive Conditioning section). when duties are shared among professional agency change location, but the offending activity persisted. personnel. The responder is determined by the As a result, several bears were killed by agency Barriers preventing access by bears may totally location, time, and availability of personnel. personnel or placed in zoos. Other bears were killed eliminate some ongoing problems and offer the by motor vehicles because they were spending so greatest immediate relief from conflicts that arise. much time in populated areas near humans. Barriers, in most cases, are both economically and technically feasible to install and are considered Using dogs to haze bears had been discussed for a viable option for controlling many types of bear- several years at BBCC gatherings. The discussions

62 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 63 were dominated by what breed of dog would be best Encounters with Bears and how they would work in this region. The job requires a dog of sufficient size and athletic enough Encounters with black bears are rare, and to move efficiently through the dense, swampy bear an aggressive encounter with a black bear is habitat of south Louisiana. An overly aggressive extraordinarily rare. Black bears typically are cautious dog would likely get killed by a bear, so another animals and try to avoid people. When working or requirement was for a dog with good temperament recreating in bear country, it is likely that people have and excellent obedience. Hounds trained to hunt been near bears without knowing it because bears wild hogs were used on several occasions to haze can catch a scent more than a mile away and either bears with some positive results. Unfortunately, leave the area or hide nearby. Seeing a bear in the wild by chance from a safe distance can be exciting, the hounds got so scattered over the swamps and WARNING: The various brands marshland that it sometimes took several days to however safety and respect for this animal should be collect the dogs. This created another problem with of “less than lethal” rubber followed at all times. While the information provided the time required to work a nuisance situation, and bullets, buckshot, and slugs, in this handbook should help avoid dangerous encounters, bears are wild animals and each bear and so the search for another breed continued. The perform differently. Some Blackmouth cur was the next candidate selected for every encounter is different. use in aversive conditioning. The Blackmouth cur is are safe at close range and Black bears are not normally aggressive, but like all a medium-sized dog that is very athletic, tractable, ineffective at greater distances. wild animals, they can attack if provoked or cornered and aggressive. This breed is traditionally used as a without an escape route. Unprovoked attacks on livestock herding dog, but also used to hunt hogs, Others, effective at up to fifty yards, are humans are extremely rare throughout the species’ squirrels, and raccoons. dangerous at close range. Only trained range. Within the historic range of the Louisiana personnel should be allowed to use these In the aversive conditioning process, the dogs are black bear, there have been no reports of bears tools in dealing with wildlife problems. released to chase the bear after it has been hazed acting aggressively toward people in recent history. Most attacks that do occur have happened when with rubber buckshot or paintballs as previously Pepper Spray can be an effective tool when humans surprised, cornered or otherwise threatened described. Experienced dogs will catch the bear used correctly. Care must be taken not to the animals. People can make bears feel threatened within about one hundred yards and either tree it or spray into the wind or to attempt to spray by making direct eye contact, approaching them too circle it on the ground, cutting off its escape when while standing in a doorway if the central air closely, coming between a bear and its food source, it tries to run. The “fight” involves a lot of barking system is running. If inhaled, it doesn’t take or being near an adult female with cubs. A female and growling, with little to no actual contact. When much to incapacitate a human. the dogs are holding the bear at bay, a biologist can with cubs is defensive and can be dangerously run up and usually get off another round of rubber Paintball guns have been used in several aggressive if she perceives that her young are buckshot to get the bear running again. The dogs national parks in the western states with threatened. Bear cubs should never be approached. will usually catch the bear again in another hundred good results. Paintball guns can shoot many variety of rural and suburban situations because they Even if the adult female bear is not observed, she will yards or so and the process is repeated. This may more rounds than a shotgun, shoot farther can be called back if necessary. The dogs are also probably not be far from her young. than rubber bullets, and when the paintballs happen three or four times before the dogs are called useful as ambassadors for the bear management In a confrontational situation, it is important to are chilled or frozen, they sting more back to the handler. program, where they can be taken to presentations remain calm. People should identify themselves by than rubber shot. It should be noted that to school groups and other educational opportunities talking quietly and watch the bear without making The hazing is very intense for about fifteen minutes “harassment” of a federally listed species is with the public. From late 2001 to 2007, the BBCC direct eye contact as they move slowly away from the and then the bear is allowed to go about its illegal, so only agency use of this method is Conflict Management Team used dogs to deal with bear. Remember that leaving the area should always business. The BBCC Conflict Management Team legal. This can change if and when the bear nuisance bears. During that period, no bears were be the first option to avoid escalating the encounter. used the curs for five years and experienced a 90% is removed from the ESA listing. euthanized, no bears were relocated, which meant Bears usually try to avoid confrontation by retreating, success rate on bears hazed with the dogs. When the no relocated bears were killed by motor vehicles dogs are properly trained, they can be utilized in a so be sure you leave the bear an obvious escape while trying to find their way back home. route. Bears that confront humans will often stand on

64 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 65 Understanding Bear Behavior when communicating and injuries can arise from being swatted or bitten; the intent on the bear’s This section is reprinted with permission from the part is not necessarily threatening. Although the publication “Responding to Human-Bear Conflicts: A bites and paw swats are intended to deliver a guide to Non-lethal Bear Management Techniques” serious message, this type of defensive behavior prepared by the Get Bear Smart Society. can be “disarmed” with an appropriate response. It is essential to recognize the difference between The safest way to reduce risk when dealing with defensive and aggressive or offensive actions bears is to have knowledge and understanding and these behaviors can be different in different of their behavior and motivation. Therefore, an locations (human use areas or secluded woodlands). understanding of bear communication is essential to mitigating conflict situations and maintaining human safety. Recently, the understanding of bear behavior has changed as bear experts learned to recognize the characteristics and predictability of defensive and aggressive behavior patterns.

Because bear’s home ranges often overlap, they have evolved a structured but flexible society that enables them to interact while keeping serious conflict, and thus the risk of injury, to a minimum. Bears have a dominance hierarchy and communicate their dominance and submission to other bears their hind legs to get a better view or smell. This is n Do not try to climb a tree to escape a black bear. through vocalizations and body language also known not aggressive behavior; the bear is trying to figure Black bears are agile tree climbers. as “posturing.” When two bears meet, each quickly out the situation, to get a better look at the potential assesses the situation and chooses how it will n Do not run from a bear; bears can reach speeds of respond to avoid a physical confrontation. INTERPRETING BLACK BEAR danger or get a better chance of smelling whatever COMMUNICATION might be perceived as a danger. 35 mph and can easily outrun a person. Running can also trigger the bear’s chase instinct. Bears rank in the hierarchy based on gender, Ben Kilham, 2007 If the confrontation escalates to where the bear age, size, physical condition and individual To understand bears, we must first understand looks interested and moves toward you, look for n Do not try to play dead! This method may work temperament. Frequently, large, mature, confident the basic principles of animal behavior, which these signs: if a bear runs toward you and stops with some brown bear encounters, but not with males are dominant, while sub-adults are lowest in are common to all species, including humans. For (called bluff charging), swats at the ground, or black bears. the hierarchy. Dominance is important because it example, from observing the behavior of a fish, vocalizes in huffs or grunts, the bear is warning determines access to food resources and mates. If you are physically attacked by a bear, fight back we can learn how a bear or a human will react you to back off. Again, try to retreat from the area aggressively with any and all means available. Bears typically use the same behaviors when under certain conditions. Bears are not aliens from if possible. If retreat is not an option, try to appear Bears will be less likely to continue an attack if they responding to humans as they use when Mars, nor are we. We are all animals. This needs as large as possible by holding a coat or shirt open experience enough resistance. If you experience communicating with other bears. Unfortunately, to be stressed because from our own experiences and your arms out. Try to intimidate the bear by aggressive bear behavior, please contact your state people with limited expertise in bear behavior often with other people and our pets, we can draw an talking loudly, making direct eye contact, and acting wildlife agency as soon as possible. respond with fear and frequently misinterpret the understanding of how that behavior applies to bears. aggressively by throwing sticks or rocks (not food), ritualized displays as aggressive behavior-often with or shaking a large stick. Put a natural barrier (e.g. Since the time of Charles Darwin, it has been deadly consequences to the bear. tree) between you and the bear that encumbers the recognized that any sound generated through the bear’s movements but allows you to get away. Here Nonetheless, there is potential for minor or serious larynx of any bird or mammal is an “honest” sound. are several misconceptions about how to react to an injury when bears and people come into very close These sounds are emotional communications tied aggressive black bear encounter: contact (less than 3 ft.). Bears can be very physical directly to the central nervous system.

66 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 67 “The signaling behavior of animals can be compared attack. Behaviorist Niko Timbergen notes that these Such ritualistic or intentional behavior occurs in with the crying of a human baby, or with the types of displays are used to intimidate an opponent bears whenever two unfamiliar individuals come Defensive Display or involuntary expressions of anger or fear in humans or simply to increase the bear’s true mood. Bears together. Scientists have tried for years to define this of all ages. We know that such ‘emotional language’ are able to turn this behavior on and off like a light behavior as belonging to various distinct categories, Dominance Behavior in Man is different from deliberate speech. The switch. It is deliberate. including aggressiveness, threat or even fear. In Bears exhibit dominance behavior and ‘language’ of animals is of the level of our ‘emotional reality, it is not possible to draw one single specific defensive displays and will show these language’.” (Timbergin, 1974) Bears also use the same behaviors for intentional meaning from this behavior because of the wide behaviors in any sequence (Herrero, 2002) communication in a number of different ways; they range of circumstances under which these displays As humans, we pay little attention to this means can be used to intimidate, to modify behavior, or are used. These acts are context specific. FRONTAL ORIENTATION bear’s body is directly of communication because of our fondness show displeasure. Applied with a wide range of facing the person for intentional language and culture; yet, intensity, these behaviors reflect the level of the Some examples of ritualized displays include the subconsciously, we receive and emit these emotional bear’s concern. following examples: JAW POPPING OR TEETH CLACKING moving its messages all the time. When enraged, all animals jaw rapidly to click or pop its teeth n In a captive situation, when a new cub is placed make harsh sounds; in contrast, they use soft-toned Moods, on the other hand, come and go very slowly. into a cage with other unrelated individuals, noises to make appeasement vocalizations. For example, once angry, it may take us a long time SNORTING OR WOOFING blowing air through to cool off. It is, therefore, necessary to analyze they will all display initially. But within hours, the nose or mouth This form of communication also includes body the bear’s mood when it is not displaying these they become friends. The display inhibits initial language; we can sit down with other humans behaviors; its intentions when it is; and then apply aggression and allows time for communication HUFFING inhaling and exhaling air rapidly throughout the world and communicate our both to the context of the situation. This may be a and friendship to take place. STARING maintaining direct eye contact emotional states without any knowledge of each tough concept to apply in the field, but a necessary n When a female bear first meets a mate, they are other’s language. The ear movements of a horse and important one. It is actually a good thing when STANDING ITS GROUND rather than moving both unfamiliar with each other. As a result, they and those of a bear have the same meaning. Basic faced with a bear that bluffs or false charges as away, the bear stands still, usually facing the are likely to both display with chomps, huffs and expressions on the face of humans and bears have it means that you have time to analyze the bear’s person false charges. These displays may last for an the same general meaning, whether it is a pleasant intentions and modify its displeasure or fear. extended period of time. At some point, however, PAW SWATTING slapping the ground or facial expression, a frown or pure stink eye. The they start making soft inviting vocalizations surrounding vegetation mood of a bear can therefore be determined by One reason that bears perform these ritualistic or intentional displays is to inhibit aggressiveness. while still displaying, and eventually, they end up observation. LUNGING one or two quick steps toward a Because bears occupy very expansive areas and mating. Again, the display inhibits aggression, person, often ending with a slap to the ground Once we understand how bears communicate meet face-to-face infrequently, the ritual use of which allows for communication and mating. emotionally and honestly, we can take a look at how chomps, huffs and false charges actually serves to BLUFF OR FALSE CHARGE n When a person gets too close to a mother with and why they communicate intentionally and how deter attacks that might otherwise occur if these the bear runs straight at a person but veers off young cubs, the female will usually display, they lie or bluff. Intentional communications intended displays are lacking. Humans and other animals also or stops before making physical contact; this is letting the person know her displeasure without to bluff, deceive or to alter another’s behavior are have rituals to repress aggressiveness. For example, almost always accompanied by other ritualized having to attack. If the person disregards her generated through mechanical sounds or actions. The we may greet a strange dog with a slow approach displays, like huffing jaw popping or slapping signals, she may kick it up a notch by cocking “squared –off lip” is the switch (i.e. the lip is drawn and a kind word – while observing the response. If the ground. The vast majority of charges by her hears, charging and vocalizing a face-to- forward and appears square; the face looks long), the response is friendly (i.e. the tail is wagging), we bears are bluff charges and only rarely lead to face “huh,huh,huh,huh”. Often the female will which is followed by any of the following actions in may choose to pet the dog. Similarly, we might offer contact or human injury. also use a greatly modified false charge or swat varying degrees of intensity: the chomping of teeth a smile or a handshake to strangers or people we to the ground in an attempt to persuade an or lips, snorting or woofing (blowing air through the haven’t seen for a while. This gives us an opportunity NOTE: A bear that stands upright on its back intruder to back away. These gestures constitute nose or mouth), huffing (inhaling or exhaling air to gauge the response of the individual we just met legs is not exhibiting defensive or aggressive a motivational use of ritualistic displays. The rapidly), the swat, lunge and the false charge. and react accordingly. Granted, the bear’s rituals behavior. Usually a bear rises up on its hind intentional display is used to convey a message of snorting, chomping, huffing and false charging legs out of curiosity. Standing up allows the This behavior has developed over the last six or prevent an attack. Some bears have even had are not as cordial as ours, but both serve the same bear to get a better view or to better catch the million years, through the evolutionary process, as great success using these displays to intentionally purpose, i.e. they inhibit potential aggressiveness scent of something in order to identify it. ritualistic displays that help reduce the chance of motivate people to drop food or backpacks. and buy some time in order to gauge the situation.

68 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 69 Incentive Programs for Wildlife Habitat Restoration

One of the common misconceptions about Involving the private conservation programs is that once you’ve entered into an easement agreement, your land becomes landowner in habitat open to public access. This is not the case! An easement purchases some of a landowner’s rights restoration is key to bear to use the land, but it remains private property. The contract spells out specifically what rights are being recovery efforts. purchased. Even on the strictest easements, the landowner will be in control and able to hunt and fish and lease those rights retained on that land. Restoring bottomland hardwood forests is one These easements do not allow access by the general of the criteria for removing the bear from the public to private lands or increase a landowner’s Endangered Species list. Bottomland hardwoods liability for having endangered species on the land. need to be established and maintained as corridors The contracted land is still private property so the for movement and genetic exchange between the government cannot apply restrictions it has on its northern, central, and southern bear populations. own lands. Although there are public lands in the region, 90% of bottomland forests are on private lands, which is why While there are many public and private programs involving the private landowner in habitat restoration available to the landowner, budget cuts, changing is key to the success of bear recovery efforts. priorities and other factors determine what programs may be available at any given time. Rather than try Most bottomland hardwood habitat loss along the to list the numerous programs in this publication, we Mississippi River came from conversion of forests have provided contact information for agencies and to agricultural uses, especially during the soybean organizations that can provide assistance to private boom when prices were unusually high. Many of landowners. If you cannot find the information you those lands flood regularly and are now considered need, contact the BBCC office and we will do our best either marginal or completely unproductive cropland. to assist you (225) 400-9622. It’s these marginal croplands that the Black Bear Conservation Coalition is targeting for reforestation.

There are several federal, state, and private conservation programs available to private landowners that offer assistance for conversion of non-productive farmland back to bottomland hardwoods. These programs offer different types of easements, cost-share plans, and other financial and technical assistance. Interested landowners may be unfamiliar with these programs and the process to select the appropriate program for their needs.

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 71 State & Federal Program Contacts

ARKANSAS CONTACTS LOUISIANA CONTACTS

Arkansas Fish and Game Commission Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries 2 Natural Resources Drive 2000 Quail Drive Little Rock, AR 72205 Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (501) 223-6300 (225) 765-2800 www.agfc.com www.wlf.la.gov

Arkansas Forestry Commission Louisiana Department of Agriculture 3821 West Roosevelt Road and Forestry Little Rock, AR 72204 P.O. Box 1628 (501) 296-1940 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 www.forestry.state.ar.us (225) 925-4500 www.ldaf.state.la.us Arkansas Natural Resources Commission 101 East Capitol, Suite 350 Natural Resources Conservation Service Little Rock, AR 72201 3737 Government Street (501) 682-1611 Alexandria, LA 71303 www.anrc.ark.org (318) 473-7751 www.nrcs.usa.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/la/ Natural Resources Conservation Service home 700 West Capitol Avenue Room 3416, Federal Building U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Little Rock, AR 72201-3225 646 Cajundome Boulevard (501) 301-3100 Lafayette, LA 70506 www.ar.nrcs.usda.gov (337) 291-3119 www.fws.gov/lafayette U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 110 Amity Rd., Suite 300 350 Conway, AR 72032 (501) 513-4470 www.fws.gov/arkansas-es

Photo by Veni Harlan Veni by Photo © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 73 MISSISSIPPI CONTACTS TEXAS CONTACTS

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department & Parks 4200 Smith School Road 1505 Eastover Drive Austin, TX 78744 Jackson, MS 39201 (512) 389-4800 (601) 432-2400 www.tpwd.state.tx.us www.mdwfp.com U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mississippi Forestry Commission 2005 Green Oaks Boulevard 301 N Lamar Arlington, TX 76006-6247 Suite 300 www.fws.gov/southwest/es/ArlingtonTexas Jackson, MS 39215-1033 (601) 359-1386 Texas Forest Service www.mfc.ms.gov 301 Tarrow Suite 364 Mississippi Department of Revenue College Station, TX 77840-7896 P.O. Box 1033 (979) 458–6606 Jackson, MS 39211-6374 http://txforestservice.tamu.edu (601) 923-7000 www.dor.ms.gov Natural Resources Conservation Service 101 South Main Natural Resources Conservation Service Temple, TX 76501 100 W. Capitol Street (254) 742-9800 Suite 1321 Federal Building www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/TX/ Jackson, MS 39269 home (601) 965-5196 www.ms.nrcs.usda.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 6578 Dogwood View Parkway Suite A Jackson, MS 39213 (601) 321-1132 www.fws.gov/mississippiES

74 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 75 Private Programs

BBCC has cooperated succession and inhibits native forest restoration. The BBCC also designs control programs for feral hog populations to decrease the habitat damage with private landowners where this species overlaps with bear range. The BBCC covers up to 90% of the costs to restore and to plant bottomland enhance bear habitat in exchange for agreement with landowners to leave the trees and other hardwood forests improvements in place for a minimum of 25 years. The BBCC’s program is just one of many choices on over 35 different available to interested private landowners. Several of the private conservation organizations active in this region are listed below. Private landowners projects in 10 parishes are encouraged to contact the private conservation organizations to find out about opportunities for financial and technical assistance for conserving in Louisiana. their property for wildlife.

Some private conservation organizations work with Conservation Organizations landowners to develop conservation easements or other financial or technical assistance to restore Black Bear Conservation Coalition or enhance wildlife habitat on their property. Each P.O. Box 80442 private organization has its own mission, goals Baton Rouge, LA 70898 and objectives that determine the type lands or (225) 400-9622 habitats where they focus their easements or other www.bbcc.org assistance. An example of a private conservation organization program is the Black Bear Conservation Conservation Force Coalition’s Landowner Assistance Program. 3900 N. Causeway Boulevard, Suite 1045 Metarie, LA 70002-1746 The BBCC’s Landowner Assistance Program is an (504) 837-1233 attempt to encourage private landowner involvement www.conservationforce.org in conservation programs. Through grant awards, the BBCC’s conservation program has helped private landowners restore and enhance habitat for the GreenTrees Louisiana black bear. At the time of this publication 108 S. Lakeshore Drive (March 2015), the BBCC has cooperated with private Lake Village, AR 71653 landowners to plant bottomland hardwood forests on (870) 403-3885 over 35 different projects in 10 parishes in Louisiana. www.green-trees.com Enhancement projects include the removal of Chinese tallow trees, an invasive exotic species that quickly dominates the early stages of forest

Photo by Veni Harlan Veni by Photo © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 77 Coastal Plain Conservancy The Nature Conservancy Carbon Banking Opportunities 414 Pujo Street TNC - Arkansas Field Office Lake Charles, LA 70601 601 North University Avenue Private landowners in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial (337) 436-9401, Ext. 205 Little Rock, AR 72205 Valley (LMAV) have an additional opportunity for www.coastalplain.net (501) 663-6699 financial assistance to restore bottomland hardwood http://nature.org/Arkansas forests called carbon banking. Carbon banking, or Ducks Unlimited carbon sequestration, is the process of growing trees to capture and store carbon dioxide from DU - Arkansas Chapter TNC - Louisiana Field Office the atmosphere. Energy companies pay money to 4511 East 43rd Street P.O. Box 4125 landowners to create carbon banks so they can North Little Rock, AR 72117 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 receive carbon credits that are traded on the open (501) 955-9264 (225) 338-1040 market. Carbon banking is on the rise and will www.ducks.org/Arkansas http://nature.org/Louisiana likely become a driving force behind reforestation

efforts in LMAV. Several of the national non-profits DU - Louisiana Chapter TNC - Mississippi Field Office organizations and some for profit companies are now 4974 Central Avenue, Suite A 964 N. Jefferson Street purchasing carbon easements. Monroe, LA 71203-6106 Jackson, MS 39202 (601) 713-3355 (318) 340-1020 When existing forests are conserved and sustainably http://nature.org/Mississippi www.ducks.org/Louisiana managed, and cleared forests are replanted, they can become very effective long-term carbon storage TNC - Texas Field Office DU - Mississippi Chapter banks. Managed forests can provide society with P.O. Box 1440 193 Business Park Drive, Suite E carbon banks, but also wood products, clean water, San Antonio, TX 78295-1440 Ridgeland, MS 39157 flood water storage, recreational opportunities, (210) 224-8774 (601) 206-5446 and fish and wildlife habitat. Energy companies http://nature.org/Texas www.ducks.org/Mississippi are especially interested in using forests as carbon banks in the LMAV because this region provides Trust for Public Land DU - Texas Chapter fertile soils, abundant rainfall, long growing seasons, 1137 Baronne Street P.O. Box 1873 and relatively inexpensive land. Crosby, TX 77532 New Orleans, LA 70113 (504) 620-5142 (832) 595-0663 From the BBCC’s perspective, carbon banking in www.ducks.org/Texas 1010 Cedar Hill Drive forests in the LMAV creates important economic Jackson, MS 39206 opportunities for private landowners and an opportunity to create the habitat needed for a The Conservation Fund (601) 213-8077 healthy black bear population. As the utility industry TCF-LA, MS, AR embraces the need to sequester atmospheric carbon, 812 Park Avenue Mississippi Land Trust the goals and objectives of the BBCC and those of Mandeville, LA 70448 P.O. Box 23 the utility industry become increasingly compatible. (985) 674-3332 Starkville, MS 38776 [email protected] (662) 686-3375 If uncertain as to whom or what organization to contact, call the BBCC office to get guidance. After TCF-TX a discussion of the objectives of the landowner, P.O.Box 4608, SFA Station recommendations will be given as to what programs Nacogdoches, TX 75962-4608 or organizations are best suited to provide the (936) 468-549 desired conditions. [email protected]

78 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 79 Conclusion

Over 1,000,000 acres within the historic range of The BBCC asks you the bear in Mississippi and Louisiana have been reforested through the Conservation Reserve and to support the goal of Wetland Reserve Program since 1990. Over 100,000 acres of trees have been planted by utility companies maintaining a healthy in efforts to sequester atmospheric carbon. Additional acres have and will be reforested through black bear resource, other conservation initiatives. Attitudes of landowners and the public in general and restoring a truly are changing to be more accommodating to the needs of the black bear. The black bear should be unique and magnificent viewed as an asset, a unique and treasured wildlife heritage. People are beginning to understand wildlife heritage. that, with responsible planning and management, the black bear can coexist with many land uses, including forestry, agriculture and outdoor The indomitable march of progress had brought the recreation. Also, Mississippi and Louisiana’s black bear to a crossroad of existence in the lower Congressional delegations have strongly supported Mississippi River Valley Region. Bear populations black bear management and restoration efforts. in this region had been reduced significantly since the time of European exploration and settlement, The BBCC represents the combined efforts of thus, in 1992, the Louisiana black bear was listed as over sixty agencies, companies, organizations “threatened” under the guidelines of the Endangered and universities that have worked together for Species Act of 1973. Since the listing, millions of the black bear and its associated resources. BBCC both public and private dollars have been spent to priorities have been to put the resource first, to reverse the trends that led to the bear’s decline. The find common ground, to build coalitions while BBCC has been key in the restoration of the Louisiana avoiding confrontations, to replace emotion with black bear. Even before the listing, the BBCC was credible science throughout the management organizing meetings of stakeholders in the region process and to have a strong commitment to black to discuss bear management and ways to address bear restoration. restoration. Immediately after the listing, the BBCC wrote and published the “Restoration Plan for the Most important, however, to the ultimate acceptance Louisiana black bear,” the first of 4 editions of this of black bear are the attitudes of those who read Management Handbook for landowners and other this publication. The BBCC asks you to support the educational materials. The BBCC worked with timber goal of maintaining a healthy black bear resource, companies and other potential donors to raise and restoring a truly unique and magnificent wildlife monies for much needed research and continued heritage. Working together, the effort will result in to meet to address all the issues related to bear a win-win situation for all stakeholders, and more management in the region. importantly, for the Louisiana black bear.

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 81 For More Information

Arkansas

Arkansas Fish and Game Commission Black Bear Conservation Coalition 2 Natural Resources Drive P.O. Box 80442 Little Rock, AR 72205 Baton Rouge, LA 70898 (501) 223-6300 (225) 400-9622 www.agfc.com www.bbcc.org

Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 1157 401 Island Road 5531 Highway 82 West Marksville, LA 71351 Crossett, AR 71635 (318) 253-4238 (870) 364-3167 www.fws.gov/lakeophelia http://felsenthal.fws.gov Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries White River National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 98000 57 South CC Camp Road Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 P.O. Box 205 (225) 765-2385 St. Charles, AR 72140 www.wlf.state.la.us (870) 282-8200 http://whiteriver.fws.gov Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge 2312 Fred Morgan, Sr. Road Tallulah, LA 71282 Louisiana (318) 574-2664 www.fws.gov/refuge/tensas_river Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge

10816A Highway 182 E U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Franklin, LA 70538 646 Cajundome Boulevard (337) 828-0092 Lafayette, LA 70506 www.fws.gov/bayouteche (337) 291-3124 http://southeast.fws.gov/es/lafayette.htm Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 1772 U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services Ferriday, LA 71334 P.O. Box 589 (318) 336-7119 Port Allen, LA 70767 www.fws.gov/refuge/bayou_cocodrie (225) 389-0229

www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/pdf/louisiana.pdf

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 83 Mississippi

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks 2148 Riverside Drive Jackson, MS 39202-1353 (601) 354-7303 www.mdwfp.com

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 6578 Dogwood View Parkway Suite A Jackson, MS 39213 (601) 321-1132 http://southeast.fws.gov/jackson/index.html

U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services P.O. Drawer FW 200 Thompson Hall Mississippi State, MS 39762 (662) 325-3014 www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/pdf/ mississippi.pdf

Texas

Big Thicket National Preserve 3785 Milam Street Beaumont, TX 77701-4724 (409) 839-2689 www.nps.gov/bith

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 11942 FM 848 Tyler, TX 75707 (903) 566-1626 www.tpwd.state.tx.us

84 © BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION Hockenberry Ashley by Photo Louisiana Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters

© BLACK BEAR CONSERVATION COALITION 87 P.O. Box 80442, Baton Rouge, LA 70898 225-400-9622 [email protected] bbcc.org