Bear Size ~

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Record-sized black bear killed in vehicle crash

NATCHEZ — Authorities say a record-size Louisiana black bear was killed when it was hit by a sport utility vehicle in southwestern Mississippi.


The full-grown male bear was struck April 5 on U.S. 61 in Wilkinson County. No other serious injuries were reported. Officials say the bear weighed 468 pounds, making it the largest recorded in Mississippi.

"It was about 11:45 p.m. and the bear crossed the road and she T-boned it," Richard Rummel said. "It was 468 pounds — the biggest one we've ever had our hands on.

"We captured one in the South Delta and at the initial capture he was 432 (pounds). At the last capture he was 439. We caught another one that weighed 411. So, this was by far the biggest one we've ever had our hands on."

Rummel, the Black Bear Program leader for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, said black bears can grow much larger. He pointed to examples of black bears in North Carolina that have weighed in excess of 800 pounds. But in Mississippi, they aren't as large.



"That's pretty big for Mississippi," Rummel said. "I'm not saying there's not another one out there that's bigger, but I'd be surprised."



Rummel said the bear is being stored in a freezer at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson. The department is evaluating preservation of the bear, but it will eventually be used for education purposes.



Rummel said the bear was in excellent condition, so a full-mount of it might be possible. He also said the skull and bones will be preserved for educational purposes.
"It was a big, old beautiful bear," Rummel said. "It has a beautiful, jet-black coat." Reply