From the desk of Hot Springs Village POA Lakes, Dams, Common Property, and Forestry Superintendent Todd Noles.
As you may notice, bears have been more active recently and have been spotted within Hot Springs Village. Remember we do live in the Ouachita Mountain range and share our forest with lots of wildlife.
The bears are in search of food and love bird feeders. It is illegal to feed the bears so whatever you do please do not feed the bears. Bears that are fed become less scared of people and are labeled as a threat. These bears are typically euthanized because they are too dependent on that food source, therefore cannot be relocated as they will find their way back.
If you spot a bear while walking a trail or walking your dog, just make sure your dog is leashed and make a loud noise. The bear will run off. They are more scared of you than you are of them!
Again, please DO NOT FEED THE BEARS. If you have a bear in your area, we urge you to please bring in your bird feeders and any other source of food that may be attractive to the bear. The bears will return to foraging their natural food source once the pokeberries and blackberries begin ripening and the acorns go to falling.
If you have any questions or concerns please call your local Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Headquarters at (833) 345-0325 or Todd Noles at (501) 984-3800.
Todd Noles, Hot Springs Village Lakes, Dams, Common Property and Forestry Superintendent
