SCHOOL PAPER: Black Bear Survival in Mississippi
ABSTRACT
Little research has been conducted on the presence of Mississippi’s black bear population. They are classified as an endangered species, and have little forest to call their home. And only since the settlers of the 1700s came to America have these bears courageously sought for housing, mates, and food.
Human intrusion into the bears’ habitat has greatly effected its struggle to sur-vive. Increased human development in areas of bear habitat have pushed the bears to seek livelihood in other habitats, often in human territories. In addition, human curiosity about the presence of bears and also their fear of them added to the bears’ struggle.
Male bears disperse to find territory apart from their mothers and siblings. They will search for miles, but find it increasingly difficult due to continuous expan-sion of human habitat. Also, they become more comfortable in the presence of humans because of the desire by humans to domesticate these incredible animals and feed them.