Mississippi Wildlife Department Collars Record Black Bear

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) has confirmed that a 510-pound black bear, known as M18, has set a new state record for the largest bear ever recorded. Captured in Sharkey County, this bear surpassed the previous record of 468 pounds held by a roadkill bear. M18 was originally collared in August 2022 at a weight of 360 pounds but escaped the collar shortly thereafter. The recent capture allowed researchers to gather valuable data on the bear's growth before releasing him again. The MDWFP's Black Bear Program, initiated in 2002, has contributed to a significant increase in Mississippi's bear population, which has grown from fewer than 50 to over 150 in recent years. This program aims to study black bears and mitigate human-bear conflicts in the state.