LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Sightings of Black bears in the Natural State are rising due to late spring after leaving winter dens in the latter part of March of this year.

Classified as generalist omnivores, leaves, grass, berries, nuts, insects, and a small amount of meat is included in most diets of black bears.

Yearling male bears are very active during the spring. They stay with their mothers during the winter season but are moved out of their territory to gain more independence, living on their own. As a result, these young bears are sometimes found traveling for an extensive distance to find a new home.

Catching an unsuspecting cub walking near the side of the road or through wooded locations is not uncommon in Arkansas to find easy meals, which can increase the chances of running into bears.

Trash with food scraps, wildlife feeders, pets, and livestock foods found outside will signal bears to begin stocking back up after the winter season. Young male bears are also likely to search for trash.

It is illegal to feed bears outside of the legal baiting period in the state. They eventually lose their fear of those providing food and will begin seeing feeders as a source for food.

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