Mississippi agency conducting den checks

The state Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks conducted another year of den checks.

A big part of bear research includes monitoring reproduction.

The agency does so by conducting den checks on collared momma bears.

Females give birth in late January to early February, causing den checks to happen in March.

Cubs are measured and genetic samples are taken with the babies being returned safely.

Just a heads up for all, the department’s Bear Week is coming up fast.

That is scheduled for April 27th through May 3rd.