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Alabama's Black Bear Poster

Black Bear – Alabama’s Official State Mammal

American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

  • Black bears can be seen potentially anywhere in Alabama.
  • About 85 percent of their diet consists of fruits, nuts, and seeds.
  • Mating season occurs from late May to early August.
  • Male black bears travel great distances during late spring and summer searching for mates.

Safety Tips

  • Do not feed bears! It is dangerous for bears to become accustomed to humans.
  • Secure household wastes in bear-proof containers.
  • Keep outdoor grills and grilling areas clean.
  • Don’t leave pet food outdoors.

Keep a Safe Distance

If You Encounter a Bear

  • Never run! Stay calm, slowly back up, and walk away.
  • Make yourself big. Wave your hands above your head, use an assertive voice, make noise, or clap your hands.

It is ILLEGAL to shoot, harm, or harass black bears in Alabama.

For additional information about black bears, visit:

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (www.outdooralabama.com/black-bear/alabama-black-bears) or BearWise (www.bearwise.org).

Report observations to the DCNR Black Bear Observation page at https://game.dcnr.alabama.gov/BlackBear or contact your local biologist at a Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Office at www.outdooralabama.com/wildlife-section


New 2018, Alabama’s Black Bear, FOR-2063

New August 2021, Alabama’s Black Bear Coloring Sheet, FOR-2103

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