12-05-2025
Bears in Alabama? They're few, protected, and tracked with your help. Here's what to know
The death of a Florida man on May 5 in Florida's first recorded fatal bear attack is shining a spotlight on bear safety concerns across the southeast, including Alabama.
Robert Markel, an 89-year-old, and his dog were killed in the attack. The bear has been identified and was shot. Florida officials say that a post-mortem examination of the bear led to officials finding partial remains of Markel in the bear's body.
Alabama's black bear population remains small but steady, with fewer than 500 individuals estimated to roam the state's forests and swamps. These secretive animals are rarely seen in the dense woodlands of north Alabama or the more remote areas. Wildlife officials rely more than ever on public sightings to keep tabs on this elusive species.
Here's what we know about their numbers, where they live and how you can help track them.
According to Alabama wildlife officials, fewer than 500 black bears live in Alabama. About 250 roam the northern part of the state, 150 are in the south, and a few more are scattered elsewhere. As bear populations grow in nearby states, some are crossing into Alabama and could be settling in permanently.
There is no traditional large-scale tagging system for the bears of Alabama. Still, officials encourage the public to report bear sightings to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' black bear observation site.
According to the Outdoor Alabama website, the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division is collaborating with Auburn University to use data collected to track their population size, density, demographics and more to help with management practices of the state's bears.
To report a sighting, you'll first enter your name, address and contact information. On the next screen, you'll describe what you saw: a bear, tracks, fur or something else. You can also upload photos, send out the GPS coordinates and give directions to where the sighting happened. The system is constantly updated as new sightings come in from the public, helping officials track Alabama's bear population in real time.
Black bears in Alabama are protected by law, though they aren't considered endangered. Because of their protected status, there's no open hunting season. While seeing a bear might feel alarming, actual conflicts, like damage to a person or property, are uncommon.
To help keep it that way, wildlife officials encourage residents to follow BearWise, a program that teaches people how to live responsibly where bears can be present. This includes tips like securing trash, removing bird feeders, never feeding bears and so on.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Are there bears in Alabama? Few, but your sighting helps track them
