Southeast Oklahoma has the largest population of black bears in the state, but over the past several years more and more have been spotted in northeastern Oklahoma. Black bear sightings were recently reported in June 2020 in Oklahoma and Lincoln counties, which is more west than you would typically find them in the state. Be on the lookout – even though the mating season is over, their activity will increase again in August until berries ripen in the fall.

Keep scrolling to learn more about these wild animals.

It's not very often you hear about black bears in the Sooner State. But in recent years, and even in recent months, more sightings have been reported.
Bess Sadler/Flickr
According to Jena Donnell with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, "black bears heavily populated eastern Oklahoma before farming changed the land in the early 1900s."
Fidelis Orozco/Flickr
Wildlife officials then reintroduced black bears into western Arkansas in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s; and over the last few decades, generations have migrated into Oklahoma.
Travis/Flickr

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In June, ODWC confirmed bear sightings in Oklahoma and Lincoln counties.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
Trail cams from landowners caught these large animals in the towns of Luther, Chandler, and Depew.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
Breeding season was over in June but keep in mind when it rolls around next year that male black bears will travel long distances to find females. Their home range is about 5-80 square miles.
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
Even though the breeding season is over for the year, they will still be on the hunt for food so be on the lookout if you're in rural areas.
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr

Have you ever spotted a black bear in Oklahoma? If so, tell us about it in the comments section!

Oklahoma has one of the most diverse assortments of wildlife species in the country.  Some are beautiful, others awkward but all contribute to making our ecosystem work together. Several photographers have captured stunning photos of the state’s wildlife that will leave you wanting more. Click here to view these great photos.

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