Black Bears of Oklahoma: Comeback, Conservation, and Coexistence

• Group size25 people

Join the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to discover how black bears, once nearly absent from the state, have made a powerful return to the forests and rugged landscapes of southeastern Oklahoma. This presentation brings one of Oklahoma’s most remarkable wildlife success stories to life, from dense oak and hickory woods to remote river corridors where bears now roam. You’ll gain insight into what makes these habitats uniquely suited to their recovery, the science driving modern bear management, including how wildlife experts track populations, balance conservation with recreation, and respond to the realities of people and bears sharing the same spaces. Learn practical, real-world strategies for living responsibly in bear country, reducing conflict, and contributing to the long-term health of this iconic species. About our speaker: Matt Hensley is a Senior Wildlife Biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, bringing over two decades of experience and deep field knowledge to black bear research and management, including leading the state’s Black Bear Program.