MonticelloLive

Spring break is in full swing for the kids of Monticello. The dogwoods are glistening white, and wisteria is everywhere in purple blooms throughout the woods of South Arkansas. Also awakening in our nearby forests are the protected and revered black bear. One of those who protect this amazing animal is Mark Hooks. This is his story:

Mark grew up in and around Halley, Arkansas. He graduated from Bellaire Academy in Bellaire, Arkansas. He received a Bachelor’s of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from UAM in 1983. His love for the great outdoors started as a child. His family spent many hours hunting and fishing. Because of his lifelong hobbies he knew working with wildlife was what he wanted in an occupation.

After college Mark, for a short time, worked at UAM as a deer and turkey research assistant, but in 1991 an opportunity came up that he could not pass up. He was hired as the Assistant Regional Supervisor for the South Delta Wildlife Management Division. For 16 years now, Mark has experienced many outdoor adventures. His job duties include managing wildlife species on both public and private land in a seven-county area in southeast Arkansas. He is responsible for wildlife management on public areas including Bayou Meto (largest state-owned wildlife management area in the nation), Cut-Off Creek, Seven Devils, Trusten Holder wildlife management areas. When he isn’t budgeting and planning for the seven-county region, he is spending hands-on time with southeast Arkansas wildlife. Some of these animals are white-tailed deer, turkey, alligators and the black bear.

This weekend Mark organized one of the last full relocation transfers of the black bear. In 2000, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission began growing the black bear population in south Arkansas. There are many misconceptions about bears, but Mark and his staff have also spent the last seven years educating the public about the importance of black bears for the environment. One important fact is that the black bear is not a threat to people unless they are treated inappropriately. Also, to have black bears live successfully in our rivers and forests only proves the strength and health of the land.

The local wildlife agency tracks several black bears through radio collars. They monitor their growth and the amount of cubs that are born each year. The program has successfully transported many bears from the White River area to south Arkansas. The AGFC staff trap the mother bears and her cubs while the mom is in her denning cycle. They weigh the bears, check their health and move them quickly to a new den they have prepared for her. Since 2000 many have been monitored and continue to expand in our area. Until the population is greater, it is illegal to hunt the black bear in south Arkansas.

For Mark, bringing in the black bear has been a long time commitment for him and his staff. He believes that the public is the only limiting factor that would cause the black bear not to prosper. He hopes through education and love of the natural state that people will let the bears exist and appreciate the bears part of our rich heritage.

What Mark and his staff accomplish is significant. Monticello is located in the middle of rich, thriving land and continues to be a perfect place for the wildlife of the country. We are fortunate that one of our own Monticellonians plays an integral part of this process. When Mark is not out in the woods or at the Game and Fish Regional Office or playing bluegrass music with his wife, Paula, he is ready and willing to help the public learn about our local wildlife. Don’t miss out this spring on what is awakening in our area. Now is a great time to visit our lakes, rivers and parks, and the visit will be a great experience thanks to Mark Hooks- one Monticello life.