Press ReleaseView print version Biologists Studying Alabama’s
Black Bear Population November 15, 2012 Several organizations
are studying Alabama’s black bears to better understand their
population dynamics. According to the Alabama Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), black bears were
once prevalent across Alabama, but, until recently, bears had
been relegated to a small and isolated area north of Mobile,
mainly due to habitat loss. Officials estimate that
approximately 50 bears remain in that population. Although still
rare, black bears are being increasingly seen in northeast
Alabama. Recently, bears have begun migrating into the northeast
corner of Alabama from Georgia and Tennessee. Bears have
established new territories in less populated areas by moving
into suitable habitat, particularly in DeKalb and Cherokee
counties. There appears to be a gradual increase of bear numbers
in these counties. The reappearance of black bears in
northeastern Alabama has generated interest among the sc