Public meetings set to discuss Louisiana’s black bear population

University of Tennessee researchers to present findings, LDWF says

The state’s black bear population will be discussed in two upcoming public meetings conducted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in conjunction with the University of Tennessee.

Meetings are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in Morganza, and on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Franklin.

UT graduate students will update findings on their black bear population research, including population estimates and density of bears in the area, according to a press release.

The future of LDWF bear management and the necessary steps to reach those goals also will be discussed.

Following each presentation, there will be a question-and-answer period, as well as examples of various bear-deterrent devices on display.

The Aug. 5 meeting will be held at the Pointe Coupee Communication Center, 7011 Mitchell Lane, and the Aug. 6 meeting is scheduled for the St. Mary Parish Council meeting room in the courthouse at 500 Main Street in Franklin, the release states.

For more information on the public meetings, contact Maria Davidson at 337-948-0255, or email mdavidson@wlf.la.gov.