Mascot

A Tribute to Our Mascot: The Louisiana Black Bear

The Louisiana Black Bear (Ursus americanus luteolus) is a subspecies of the American Black Bear (U. americanus). Its habitat is the bottomland hardwood forests located in Mississippi, Louisiana, and East Texas. There is currently disputed evidence as to whether some of the these bears can be found in southern Arkansas. The results of genetic testing have not yet been made available in publication.

These omnivorous bears have a body weight of approximately 120 - 400 lbs. and body lengths ranging from 5 - 8 ft. when they reach maturity.

Female bears are smaller than males. Both males and females are very good swimmers, and, depending on food and water resources, their "home range" can reach up to 80 miles, with males traveling farther away from their dens than females.

Females begin reproduction at the age of 3-5 years, and the first litter is usually a single birth. The typical litter is 1-3 cubs, with two being the norm. Cubs remain with their mothers for about 1½ - 2 years before venturing out on their own.

A decline in the original Louisiana Black Bear population can be attributed to a loss in native forest land due to urban expansion and increased clearing for agricultural purposes. Throughout the past 30 years, conservation efforts have been implemented to restore the numbers of the Louisiana Black Bear population. Conservation efforts include monitoring the numbers of bears in their natural habitat, restrictions on hunting, and relocation efforts.

Taxonomy of the Louisiana Black Bear