Governor declares May 16-21 as state observance

LITTLE ROCK (May 12, 2016) – Black bear sightings are common in parts of Arkansas, so the potential for conflict between humans and bears is a concern that many Arkansans need to consider as they live in and explore the Natural State.

“Bear Awareness Week was born out of the need to teach people to coexist with these animals,” said Debbie Thompson, carnivores curator at the Little Rock Zoo. “We share habitats with bears and if we don’t store our food properly and take care of our pets when we live in rural areas, we have conflicts.” 

During Bear Awareness Week, every day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors to the Zoo will be able to view and/or participate in special feedings, chat with the zoo keepers who best know the bears and take part in other fun activities.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson also declared May 16-21 Bear Awareness Week in the state to recognize the national observance aimed at promoting conservation of these animals.

“Arkansas’s earliest-known nickname was the Bear State, referring to a time when settlers found the territory home to many black bears,” Hutchinson said in the proclamation. “The future of the bear population in the United States remains uncertain and depends upon continued public support and increased understanding of the essential role bears play in nature.”

“In recognition of Bear Awareness Week 2016, bears, their habits and their habitats are being highlighted to help keep these intelligent and powerful creatures a part of our ecosystem for generations to come,” the governor proclaimed.

Thompson said two of the Little Rock Zoo’s resident bears are examples of why Bear Awareness Week is so important. Nona and Ann are grizzly bear sisters relocated from Montana because they were campsite raiders and had become nuisances with the potential for harming people after losing their fear of humans.

“We don’t have any North American black bears at the Zoo, but our state has a pretty large number of black bears,” she said. “In fact, North American black bears are the most common of the eight bear species found in the world.” 

In addition to Nona and Ann, the Zoo is home to six other bears:

• Kelang and Kacey the Malayan sun bears
• Sloth bears Thor, Khali and Randhir
• Samone, the Asiatic black bear

“It’s our hope that the education we offer during Bear Awareness Week – and year round – helps highlight the importance of humans and animals living together in balance and the important role Zoos play in saving animals’ lives when conflicts do arise,” said Zoo Director Mike Blakely.  

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