EP:235 | The Black Bears of Mississippi

This week we welcome Anthony Ballard the MDWFP Bear Coordinator and Dr. Dana Morin a carnivore expert from Mississippi State University to talk about the black bears of Mississippi. The Magnolia State has a long, historic tradition with black bears, dating back to when the Delta region was still massive old growth timber and full of bears! Then of course there is the infamous Theodore Roosevelt hunt that led to the creation of the Teddy Bear. We’ll look to the past, discuss the present and then look to the future in our conversation. It ends up being an interesting look at an often maligned animal that’s making a comeback against the odds and a chance to hear from the people that are dedicated to see it be successful. Would you climb 25 feet up a tree to look in a den and check on cubs knowing the momma bear was there also? That’s the dedication of a biologist that cares. Listen, Learn and Enjoy.Show Notes:MDWFP Black Bear Program: https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/black-bear-program/MSU Carnivore and Population Ecology Lab: https://www.carnivore.fwrc.msstate.edu/people.phpIf you enjoyed this Gamekeeper episode, send the guys a message and don’t forget to include your contact info so we can reach you if you win a prize! Support the showStay connected with GameKeepers: Instagram: @mossyoakgamekeepers Facebook: @GameKeepers Twitter: @MOGameKeepersYouTube: @MossyOakGameKeepers Website: https://mossyoakgamekeeper.com/Enter The Gamekeeper Giveaway: https://bit.ly/GK_GiveawaySubscribe to Gamekeepers Magazine: https://bit.ly/GK_Magazine Buy a Single Issue of Gamekeepers Magazine: https://bit.ly/GK_Single_Issue  Join our Newsletters: Field Notes - https://bit.ly/GKField_Notes | The Branch - https://bit.ly/the_branchHave a question for us or a podcast idea? Email us at [email protected]