MONTICELLO — With more than 5,000 black bears estimated in Arkansas, UAM wildlife biologist Dr. Don White urged residents to keep campsites clean, store food in vehicles (never in tents), hang or burn leftovers, and suspend wildlife feeders 8 feet up and 8 feet from trunks, according to a Nov. 10, 2025, university release.
Human-bear conflicts remain uncommon, White said, but drought and late-summer food shortages can push bears nearer homes. Report nuisance bears to the AGFC/USDA hotline 833-345-0315 (day) or 833-356-0824 for life-threatening after-hours situations.
Source: UAM / Division of Agriculture release (Nov. 10, 2025).