Arkansas Officials Warn of Increasing Spring Bear Activity

Young male black bears seeking new territory can pose risks if they become too comfortable around humans.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A bold, graphic illustration featuring a repeated black bear icon in a grid pattern, rendered in a vibrant, high-contrast pop art style with overlapping neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the increasing presence of bears in residential areas.As Arkansas' black bear population expands, wildlife officials urge residents to take precautions to avoid attracting these wild animals to their neighborhoods.Little Rock Today

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is cautioning residents to be aware of young male black bears that are on the move this spring, looking for new territory. Officials say these bears may be attracted to open trash cans, wildlife feeders, and cooking grease, leading to potentially dangerous encounters if the bears become too comfortable around people. The agency is advising residents to take steps to remove potential food sources and scare off any bears that wander too close to homes.

Why it matters

Black bears are native to Arkansas, but as their populations grow, more young males are being forced to find new habitats, which can bring them into closer contact with humans. While black bears are generally not aggressive, officials warn that allowing them to become comfortable around people's homes and property can lead to property damage and potential safety risks.

The details

According to the AGFC, young male black bears are typically two years old when they are forced to leave their mothers and seek out their own territory. This is a natural process that helps bear populations expand and prevents inbreeding. However, these young bears may be attracted to easy food sources like open trash cans, wildlife feeders, and cooking grease near homes, leading them to linger in areas with people. Officials say it's important to scare off any bears that wander too close by making loud noises, throwing sticks or rocks, and making yourself appear as large and obnoxious as possible.

  • Spring is the time of year when young male black bears are on the move, seeking new territory.

The players

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

The state wildlife agency responsible for managing and protecting Arkansas' natural resources, including black bear populations.

Spencer Daniels

The AGFC's Bear Program coordinator, who provided guidance on dealing with bears that become too comfortable around humans.

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What they’re saying

“To that bear, it's just free food. So locking those things away this time of the year is important to prevent nuisance encounters. You may still have a bear wander across your yard in bear country this time of the year, but if they don't find food, they won't stick around.”

— Spencer Daniels, AGFC Bear Program coordinator

“Making noise, yelling and throwing a rock or stick can be enough to give the message that the bear is not welcome. Make yourself look as large and obnoxious as possible. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, the bear won't stick around.”

— Spencer Daniels, AGFC Bear Program coordinator

What’s next

If a bear does not leave after attempts to scare it off, the AGFC recommends calling the agency's Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 833-345-0315 as soon as it is safe to do so.

The takeaway

As Arkansas' black bear population continues to grow, it's important for residents in bear country to take proactive steps to avoid attracting these wild animals to their homes and property. Removing potential food sources and scaring off any bears that wander too close can help prevent dangerous encounters and property damage.