MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2015 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dawkins

Senate Bill 2501

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 3-3-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DESIGNATE THE AMERICAN BLACK BEAR AS ONE OF THE STATE LAND MAMMALS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     WHEREAS, black bears play an integral role in Mississippi's rich cultural past, from the famous 1902 President Roosevelt hunt, from which the idea of the teddy bear toy was created, to the legacy of some of the greatest bear hunters of all time.  Bears once roamed throughout the state and three subspecies are recognized:  the American Black Bear, the Florida Black Bear and the federally threatened Louisiana Black Bear.  Today, Mississippi's black bear population is estimated to be only about 100 throughout the state, and the natural corridor of the black bear in Mississippi must be preserved; and

     WHEREAS, the Mississippi Black Bear is the unofficial mascot of the University of Mississippi; NOW, THEREFORE,

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 3-3-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     3-3-17.  The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) * * *; and, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the American black bear (Ursus Americanus) are designated the State Land Mammals of Mississippi.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2015.

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