One of Mississippi’s most populous counties is experiencing an influx of black bear sightings.
Tyree Jones, the sheriff of Hinds County, took to social media Monday to urge residents to take extra precautions following a “recent uptick of black bear sightings across parts of the county.”
While Hinds County includes Jackson, the state’s largest city by population, Memorial Day weekend sightings were reported in Utica, a more rural town southwest of the capital.
“Hinds County and Utica Police responded to sightings of at least two black bears in the Utica area this afternoon,” Jones wrote on social media. “Residents are urged to stay alert, secure food sources around homes, keep pets close, and avoid approaching or attempting to feed wildlife.”
Jones also encouraged residents who spot bears to report sightings to local law enforcement “so we can help keep both the community and the animals safe.”
Hinds County and Utica Police responded to sightings of at least two black bears in the Utica area this afternoon. Pictured is one of the bears that was sighted.
The Hinds County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the recent uptick in black bear sightings across parts of the county.… pic.twitter.com/rGTmWzwykp
— TyreeJonesSheriff (@TyreeSheriff) May 25, 2026
Video footage of an earlier black bear sighting in the Utica area on Hwy 27 near Hwy 18. A local resident’s Ring doorbell camera captured the footage and shared it with HCSO. 🐻👀 pic.twitter.com/JeWB7V8Agw
— TyreeJonesSheriff (@TyreeSheriff) May 25, 2026
And if all else fails and you find yourself face-to-face with a bear, remember the rhyme most people learned somewhere around elementary school recess: If it’s brown, lay down. If it’s black, fight back.
