In the rare event of attack, it is best to fight with fists, feet or anything at hand. Yelling, waving arms, or throwing things to scare the bear is more likely to put a bluffing bear in retreat. Playing dead is not the best action with black bears. Mother bears' territory is usually 2 - 6 miles in diameter, while adult male bears may have a range of 7 to 15 female territories to find mates and food. Bears mate from May to early July, and cubs are born in January.
Bears usually travel alone except for mothers with cubs.
Bears in Arkansas usually do not hibernate. They go into a state of dormancy and will make their dens in bluff shelters, under low overhanging rock, and small caves. Avoid disturbing a bear or allowing your dog to do so. Please keep food out of your tent. Hang food high in trees or lock away in your vehicle.