West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies are currently on scene in the Erwinville area following a confirmed bear sighting near the intersection of Maple Street and Erwin Avenue.
WBRSO is advising residents in the immediate area to stay indoors, keep pets secured, and avoid the area while deputies work to ensure public safety.
This latest sighting follows a pattern of increased bear activity across South Louisiana in recent weeks. Bear sightings have been reported throughout East Baton Rouge Parish since late May, with multiple encounters documented in Central, Broadmoor, and other areas.
The Erwinville area has seen previous bear activity, with local businesses like R Schexnayder & Sons capturing video of bears in recent years as the animals forage for food sources like corn kernels left after harvest.
UPDATE – 5:15 PM
As of 5:15 PM Friday, the bear remains in the area of Maple Street and Erwin Avenue. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has arrived on scene and taken over response operations from West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies, who initially secured the area and issued safety advisories to residents.
LDWF personnel are now handling the wildlife management aspects of the situation while residents continue to be advised to stay indoors and keep pets secured.
Safety Guidelines
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries advises residents who encounter bears to remain calm and avoid running, which may trigger an attack. Instead, make yourself appear larger by standing on an available object and raising your arms while speaking in a calm voice.
Additional safety measures include:
- Stay indoors or in vehicles when bears are spotted
- Remove food attractants including pet food, bird feeders, and unsecured garbage
- Keep doors and windows closed and locked, as bears can open small levers and sliding doors
- Never drop food to distract a bear, as this rewards the behavior and increases likelihood of repeat encounters
Growing Bear Population
The Louisiana black bear was removed from the threatened species list in 2016 after successful conservation efforts. According to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries large carnivore program manager John Hanks, the odds of seeing a black bear are “higher now than 15 years ago”.
Adult male bears typically weigh between 300-400 pounds but can exceed 500 pounds, while adult females average 120-200 pounds. Bears rarely become aggressive but will become defensive if feeling threatened or surprised.
Residents should contact WBRSO immediately if they spot bears in residential areas. The Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (225) 389-2302.
This is a developing situation. WBR Independent will provide updates as they become available.
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For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency bear sightings, contact WBRSO at (225) 389-2302.
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