06/06/2026
While we are spending the morning out on the Nature Center Trail for our National Trails Day event, we’d like to also take a moment to spotlight Louisiana’s state mammal. Since 2018, the first Saturday in June is celebrated as National Black Bear Day!
To celebrate, here are some quick fun facts about this fascinating species!
✱ The Louisiana Black Bear is one of 16 subspecies of the American Black bear, specially adapted to the southern climate.
✱ Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1992, the Louisiana Black Bear is now considered recovered as of 2016.
✱ Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries continues to research the species through winter den checks, radio collaring, hair sampling, and more!
✱ Only one four-legged land mammal has a larger habitat range; the white-tail deer. Black bears are found in 41 states and every Canadian province.
✱ Despite being called the Black Bear, this species actually comes in a variety of colors such as blue, grey, cinnamon, brown, and the traditional black.
✱ Black bear diet is nearly 80% vegetation, with some of their favorite snacks being wild blackberries! Despite their stocky build they are extremely good swimmers and can run nearly 35/mph.
Louisiana State Parks
