MONTICELLO, Ark. — With Arkansas’ black bear population continuing to grow and sightings becoming more common, wildlife experts are urging Arkansans to stay informed about bear behavior and safety practices in the outdoors.
Don White, wildlife biologist and bear expert with the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, said education is the best defense against bear encounters.
“Being informed about bear habits and keeping human foods away from bears are two of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and others in bear country,” White said. “A bear that loses its natural fear of humans is a potentially dangerous bear.”
Staying safe in bear country
When camping, hunting or hiking in wooded areas, White advises Arkansans to take simple precautions. Campers should always keep their campsite clean and store food in vehicles. Food should never be stored inside a tent…