JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials are warning Mississippi residents to look out for young male black bear movement.

According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), the bears are looking to leave the area they grew up in to establish new home ranges. Meanwhile, older male bears will be looking for mates, creating a lot of movement in the bear populations and competition for food in preparation for the fall and winter months.

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Officials said from the end of May through mid-July, one black bear was reported in southwestern DeSoto County, then in Tishomingo County and eventually in Alabama. The bear could be seen eating fruit from a tree in most reports, with his favorite reportedly being pear trees.

If you do have a bear sighting, officials said you should not feed it. Be sure to give it space, and the sighting can be reported on the MDWFP website.

For some safety tips regarding bears, MDWFP provides their “Bearwise Basics,” which include the following six at-home tips:

• Never feed or approach bears

• Secure any food, garbage, and recycling

• Remove bird feeders when bears are active

• Never leave pet food outdoors

• Clean and store grills and smokers

• Alert neighbors to bear activity

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