Unleashed: Once-endangered ‘Teddy’ bears will survive more than a century

Americans buy an estimated 200,000 Teddy bears every year. Undoubtedly, quite a few of those furry friends will arrive as gifts this holiday season.

But, perhaps, the greatest gift was delivered early from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Its study confirmed the Louisiana black bear is likely to survive at least another century. The species odds’ of extinction are less than 1%. That means sighting of these gorgeous animals won’t be relegated only to toyshops.

The black bear’s survival hasn’t always been so certain. Not long ago, the species was nearly extinct.

One of 18 native North American species, the Louisiana black bear traditionally roamed Louisiana, eastern Texas, southern Arkansas and western Mississippi.

The inspiration for the treasured Teddy bear toy came from President Teddy Roosevelt’s 1902 visit to Mississippi. After an unsuccessful hunting expedition, one of Roosevelt’s assistants tied Louisiana black bear to a willow tree. The president’s subsequent refusal to shoot the tethered bear made nationals headlines. The publicity inspired Brooklyn toymaker to create a stuffed bear dedicated to the president who saved the animal’s life.

Gradually, habitat loss and overhunting reduced and fragmented the population. When the Louisiana black bear was first listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1992, there were estimated to be fewer than 300 left in the world.

The USGS research indicates the species is on the rebound thanks to conservation efforts.

Funded primarily by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the study used projections of population growth over time based on capture and radio-telemetry data to estimate the bear’s extinction probability.

Researchers collected data with DNA sampling, live capture, winter den visits and monitoring of radio-collared animals from 2002 to 2014.

The researchers acquired some DNA samples by setting up barbed wire fences that bears had to cross to obtain pastry baits. This method, which does not harm the bears, results in the bears leaving their DNA in the form of hair samples on the barbs, which scientists are able to use to discern the individual identities of each bear visiting the site.

The genetics and capture data helped evaluate how frequently individual bears move between the fragmented subpopulations in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley.

“The completion of this project represents many years of collaborative work, and we’re excited about the results,” LDWF Biologist Program Manager Maria Davidson says. “The information provided by this project is based on the best available science. [It] enables us to make management decisions focused on the long term sustainability of the Louisiana black bear.”

Since receiving the endangered listing 22 years ago, the Louisiana black bear population has grown as a result of state and federal protection of the bears, a reintroduction project and habitat recovery aided by the Federal Conservation Reserve Program and the Federal Wetlands Reserve Program.

Efforts have been so successful that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now considering delisting—removing—the bear from the threatened species list. For more information, click here.

If you’re considering adding a live—rather than a stuffed—animal to your family, YelpBR! has many cuddly canines including:

Creature Feature
There is a lot of personality packed into this little adult beagle. Margie is spunky and sweet.

Spike is an adorable border collie mix pup. He is good with kids and other dogs. He listens well and is eager to please.

Regina is a sweet, playful girl looking for her forever home. This miniature pinscher is kid- and dog-friendly and would make a great addition to any family.

Shaq is a 2 ½-year-old labradoodle mix, who weighs approximately 40 pounds. This handsome guy is friendly and affectionate toward humans and gets along well with other dogs. He is doing very well in his foster home. There, he is learning basic obedience, walking with a pack and enjoying socialization with foster friends.

Seth loves kids, people and other dogs. This young yellow lab mix is calm for his age and is eager to please.

Sandy is a wonderful, loving adult terrier mix. Friendly and housebroken, she is best suited to be an inside dog.

These pets have all been vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped and heartworm tested. Many other puppies and dogs are available at Yelp!BR. Visit yelpbr.com for more information.