Latest news with #BearWise.org
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Alligator sightings increasing across Arkansas
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark. – When an alligator came across Trey Moss's job at a Jefferson County cotton field, it was not the sighting that excited him but the gator's size. 'Us living down here in the south, it's just a normal day for one that's small, but you get one that big and it's just like oh my gosh, that joker is massive!' Moss said. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission joins other agencies on website for tips on living with alligators He estimated the gator he photographed on May 18 was 12 feet long. When he posted the picture online, it went viral. Moss said more people near him have been seeing more gators lately, which is no surprise to Amanda Bryant of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. Bryant as the AGFC's conservation herpetologist, is responsible for all the state's reptiles and amphibians. She explained that alligators were one of the inaugural endangered species in the early 1960s. Due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, alligators were relocated to southern and central Arkansas by the thousands over a generation, building a healthy enough population to reintroduce a permitted hunting season in 2006. 'There are many, many many people in the state that didn't grow up having to be aware of alligators that didn't grow up with alligators in their backyard yard even though they would have been there 100 years before,' Bryant said. Many states have seen an increased number of nuisance calls due to alligator sightings in recent years. It is why 11 southeastern states launched The site teaches six alligator basics to educate people on how to respect and coexist with alligators. For example, don't leave food near their habitat because it can make alligators interested in humans. GatorWise is following the success of the website which 15 southeastern states launched for black bears in 2018. Bryant admitted many of the tips are consistent, but alligators are usually harder to spot and lack that cuddle factor people may associate with bears. 'People's immediate jump is there's an alligator here it must be a problem, when the alligator lives there. It's totally fine to see an alligator as long as it continues to show no interest in people it's perfectly safe. You've just got to be aware,' Bryant added. Hunting seasons have also played a part in reducing nuisance calls according to Bryant. Hunters looking to bag an alligator in The Natural State can apply for permits for public land hunts from June 15-30 each year. Alligator hunting on private property is managed through a quota system. Anyone may purchase a private land alligator hunting permit, but hunting season ends early if the quota for the alligator zone is met. Arkansas hunters bring in 181 alligators during hunting season Alligator hunting in Arkansas is open from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise during the last two weekends each September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NC Wildlife Resources Commission offers tips to protect livestock from bears
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides guidance to livestock owners on methods to protect their animals from becoming prey to black bears. Black bears tend to consume a mostly plant-based diet and are attracted to livestock feed, such as grains and corn. However, they are omnivores and opportunists and will feed on eggs, small livestock (such as chickens and rabbits) and larger animals (including goats, miniature ponies and alpacas). Raising livestock of any species in bear country requires BearWise® husbandry practices, even for small-scale, backyard operations. 'It's one of the most common calls about bears that we get and it's also one of the most preventable,' NCWRC BearWise Coordinator Ashley Hobbs said. 'Especially in the summer and fall months, I respond to many calls from the public reporting their goat herd or chicken flock have been completely wiped out by a bear. Unprotected coops and pens provide accessible food all in one convenient spot.' BearWise is an Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies program dedicated to helping people live responsibly with bears. It offers information and instruction on protecting chickens and helpful information for livestock owners and beekeepers. Proper husbandry practices are key to coexistence, and BearWise recommends the following proactive measures: Always store livestock feed and pet food away from the animals in a locked, bear-resistant shed or building, or in a bear-resistant container. Place livestock pens and bee hives at least 50 yards away from wooded areas and other cover that could protect bears from view. Confine livestock in buildings and pens, especially during lambing or calving seasons. Consider bringing livestock, particularly smaller animals, inside at night. Remove carcasses from the site and dispose of them by rendering or deep burial. Install electric fencing or own a guard animal. To learn more about safely raising livestock in bear country, please visit and contact NCWRC's Wildlife Helpline for assistance at 866-318-2401, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission joins other agencies on website for tips on living with alligators
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – South Arkansas has a lot of alligators and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has joined with other state agencies to provide tips on living with them. AGFC officials said they have joined with 11 other southeast states to provide The site is designed to foster realistic public perceptions and promote responsible human behavior. 'Gigantic' alligator spotted in Sherwood off Highway 67 near Warden Road AGFC Herpetologist Amanda Bryant says the project has been in the works for a while and has piggybacked off the success of another wildlife awareness project, 'Some states are beginning to see an uptick in nuisance alligator reports and sightings, and some of these reports are simply that an alligator exists somewhere people hadn't seen one before,' Bryant said. 'Some states, like Florida, have done an excellent job of spreading awareness about alligator behavior and safety, and we wanted to work together to have a cohesive message throughout the American alligator's range.' VIDEO: Alligator seen attacking a tire in floodwaters after Hurricane Milton AGFC officials said the American alligator is native to Arkansas. However, it was once completely removed from Arkansas due to habitat degradation, overexploitation for their skins, and misguided fear toward these keystone wetland predators. The AGFC worked with other agencies to restock alligators in their original native range in 1970-71, and the species has remained stable since then. The population is healthy enough to support a popular hunting season each year in June. Arkansas hunters bring in 181 alligators during hunting season As warm weather returns, GatorWise and AGFC officials remind Arkansans that it is normal to see alligators moving around and basking in rivers, ponds and lakes. Alligators are native to Arkansas and play a critical role in the health and balance of our ecosystems. 'If there is an alligator that is in an area where it creates a hazard, we do have resources to relocate the animal, thanks to the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Department. Those alligators can be reported by calling 822-245-0315,' Bryant said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Watch: Black bear cubs rescued, returned to the wild after mother was struck by car in Tennessee
These three orphaned baby bears are safely back in the wild. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency picked up the cubs on May 18 after their mom was hit and killed by a vehicle on highway U.S. 16E in Sullivan County. Though officers first did not see the bears, they left traps in the area to catch the three young bears and give them temporary care. There were two females and one male cub, all in good health, according to a TWRA press release. The cubs were able to climb trees, were wary of humans, and ate well. 'While this is not an ideal situation, our goal is to give these cubs the best possible chance at survival,' said TWRA Bear Program Manager Dan Gibbs. 'We have released them in a low-density bear area with minimal human presence to maximize their chances of adapting and thriving in the wild.' The sibling bears are now in a new, safe home in a remote area of the Cumberland Mountains. Bears are most active in the spring and summer, meaning you're most likely to encounter a bear in Gatlinburg between April and August, according to the National Park Service website. During these months, bears are most active in the early morning and late evening. However, bears can be out at any point in the day, so be mindful always. If you see a black bear in East Tennessee, though they are undeniably adorable, do not approach it. For your safety and the safety of the animal, it is important that you keep your distance. recommends a few basic guidelines to help keep people safe in a black bear encounter, depending on where you see the bear. If the bear is indoors or near a dumpster or building, back away and give it a clear escape route. If it's inside leave doors open. If the bear is in your backyard, remain a safe distance away and make loud noises to scare it away. Be sure it's gone before letting any pets out or removing items that might have attracted it. If the bear is in the woods, back away slowly and quietly. Never run, as that might trigger the bear's chase response. If you are approached by the bear, stand your ground and try to appear as large as possible. Make loud noises. If a black bear charges you, use bear spray. If it makes contact, fight back using your surroundings. Do not play dead. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Watch: Black bears cubs rescued and returned to the wild in Tennessee
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
First fatal Florida black bear attack in state history, FWC confirmed
FLORIDA (WMBB) – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed the first fatal Florida black bear attack in state history, located in Jerome, Florida. According to a news release, on Monday, May 5, the Collier County Sheriff's Office notified FWC staff of a possible fatal wildlife encounter. Family members had reported a missing relative and noticed signs of disturbances that could have been a result of a bear. The FWC law enforcement and bear management staff quickly responded to secure the area, collected information, and implemented protocols to lethally remove any bears that were suspected of being involved. The FWC said the remains of 89-year-old Robert Markel were found around 100 yards from his residence. Investigators noted various findings, including evidence implying a physical encounter between a bear and a person near the residence, a dog that was recently killed by a bear near a person, and signs that a bear had entered the home. The FWC's Human-Bear Conflict Response Policies and Guidelines outline how the agency should react when faced with situations that require a bear to be removed for public safety. The FWC said that they do not make the decision lightly, but in this case, with each of the three documented situations, it required lethal removal. From Monday evening to Tuesday morning, the FWC lethally removed three adult male bears weighing 207, 263, and 434 pounds. Additionally, there was an unsuccessful attempt to capture a fourth bear. However, DNA evidence was collected. The three carcasses and DNA samples were transported to laboratories located in Gainesville for necropsy and testing. The FWC added that the Collier County Medical Examiner is currently in the process of completing their investigation. They did imply that the preliminary cause of death was consistent with injuries caused by a black bear. Necropsy results concluded that the 263-pound black bear contained partial remains of Markel. On Friday, DNA results positively concluded that the 263-pound male black bear was present on Markel, inside his residence, and on the dog's body. The only bear DNA found at the scene matched the three bears that were lethally taken, and all three tested negative for rabies. The FWC law enforcement and bear management will continue to observe the area through the weekend as a result of them spotting one additional bear on Thursday night, which had appeared and then left the area. Guidelines for what to do in the event a bear approaches you are available at To learn more about bears and how to avoid conflicts with them, visit Please contact the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) if you feel threatened by a bear; observe a sick, injured, dead, or orphaned bear; or report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them. The FWC said the investigation will remain open until all testing is completed and the results have been thoroughly reviewed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
