Image: LDWF
The Pelican has long been a symbol of the great state of Louisiana after early settlers grew fond of their nurturing nature, especially towards their young. The bird has since remained in the spotlight, claiming fame on the state’s flag and as the name of the state’s only NBA franchise.
Other state wildlife symbols include the obvious alligator, crawfish, magnolia tree, sac-a-lait (white perch) along with a dog breed unique to Louisiana.
Each of the aforementioned species is easy to associate with the Bayou State, but you might be surprised to learn that the official state mammal is the Louisiana Black Bear. Once prominent across the state of Louisiana, eastern Texas and parts of Mississippi, the state’s bears eventually fell victim to overhunting and habitat loss. As one of 16 subspecies of black bears here in North America, Louisiana bears are unique in that they feature a longer, more narrow and flat skull along with proportionally large molar teeth.
The Louisiana black bear was officially listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1992. It was at this time that the state officially declared the black bear the official state mammal.
Since then, efforts to produce yet another conservation success story proved to be fruitful. In 2016, the Louisiana black bear was removed from the Endangered Species List and continues to be monitored closely by federal officials and biologists from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
At the time of delisting, state officials estimated that the state population had doubled to approximately 500 bears. Many believe that number has continued to grow since then and has been a leading driver of a possible hunting season.
As with the possibility of hunting any delisted animal – especially if said animal is fuzzy and cute – the first mention of a possible season was met with a flood of opposition.
Despite complaints from constituents in areas not affected by bear populations, many of the state’s rural residents and farmers in northern regions of Louisiana have expressed support for a season.
Submitted by Rep. C. Travis Johnson, D-Vidalia, House Concurrent Resolution 85 is requesting that the LDWF perform a study surrounding the feasibility of allowing a black bear hunting season.
The resolution requires the study to be concluded and submitted by February 1, 2024. The legislation is currently heading to the House floor for consideration.
