Reward of $2,500 Offered for Information on the Death of Two Black Bears

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks are investigating the shooting deaths of two black bears in Mississippi and offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of any responsible party.

One adult black bear was found dead earlier this week in Hinds County near Edwards, Mississippi. The other bear, a female wearing a GPS collar for research purposes, was found dead this past November in Bolivar County near the Mississippi River, according to a press release issued by the Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday.

“Both black bears appeared to have been shot,” said Bob Oliveri, special agent in the USFWS’s Law Enforcement Office in Jackson. “Further examination should determine the exact cause of death.”

Glynn Wilson

Black bears are protected by both state and federal laws. Violations of these statutes carry maximum criminal penalties of up to $100,000 and/or 6 months in jail, or both.

Two subspecies of black bears live in Mississippi. The Louisiana black bear was listed in 1992 as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act; and typically lives in the mid- to southern Mississippi counties. The American black bear was listed as state endangered in 1984. It is generally found in the northern counties. Both bear subspecies look alike, with only small differences in skull size and shape. Both mainly use woodlands for food and shelter, but they are habitat generalists and adapt to other environments as well, according to the agency.

Anyone with information regarding the demise of these bears can contact Oliveri at 601-965-4469 or MDWFP Chief of Law Enforcement Col. Steve Adcock at 601-432-2173.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principle federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of American people. For more information, visit the agency’s national Website or the Southeast regional Website.

Direct Contact Information

Bob Oliveri, USFWS, Bob_Oliveri@fws.gov, 601-965-4469
Steve Adcock, MDWFP, Steve@mdwfp.state.ms.us, 601-432-2173