Beware of Bears this Summer in Oklahoma!

Wildlife officials are warning the general public that the Oklahoma black bear population is growing and to be on the lookout, especially during the early Summer months as more and more sightings have been reported.

You may or may not know that southeast and central Oklahoma is home to black bears. That's right, black bears. Most people don't think of the Sooner State when they think of bears, but we've got them so BEWARE!

I was just talking with someone earlier this week about Oklahoma black bears and to be careful when hiking and camping in areas known for sightings. The Oklahoman just published an article yesterday about our growing black bear population and to be on the lookout for bears this Summer. Click here to read the article.

Hit play on the video below to learn more about Oklahoma's black bear research

According to the article by the Oklahoman the state's black bear population is growing by around 6% each year. Not only that, the sightings are now happening in areas where black bears haven't been seen before. They're spreading out and covering more and more territory in search of food and seasonal mating habits.

While they are most often found in the southeastern and central parts of the state that hasn't stopped them from traveling to other parts of Oklahoma. Around this time last year a black bear was sighted and had to be euthanized in Norman, OK. It somehow managed to end up in a person's backyard in a neighborhood.

Wildlife officials attempted to tranquilize the bear but after several failed attempts they ended up having to euthanize it. This wasn't in some nearby woods or in rural Norman, it was in town, in a residential neighborhood. How crazy is that? Imagine looking out your backdoor and seeing a bear in your backyard.

Watch the video below about the black bear found in Norman, OK. in 2021  

So if your plans this Summer include camping or hiking you might want to be on the lookout for bears, especially in areas where they've been sighted before. There are some safety tips about bears and how to avoid them. Click here to review the article from the Oklahoman so you're informed and ready just in case.

As the population continues to grow and with sightings occurring more often and in places where black bears haven't been seen before you'll want to be extra vigilant. Carry some means to defend yourself and others when necessary and were allowed to do so. Depending on where you're at and what you're up to.

And yes there is an Oklahoma black bear hunting season. You can get all the details by visiting the official Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website. The site has all the specifics on harvesting black bears in the state and what dates the seasons run. It also lists all the required licensing, methods, and locations where you can legally hunt black bears in the Sooner State. Get all the details by clicking here.