La. black bear to be removed from endangered species list

More than a hundred years ago, President Theodore Roosevelt was on a hunting trip in Louisiana when he came across a black bear. Roosevelt ended up sparing the bear’s life, and the animal became known as the “Teddy Bear.”

Years later, that same species of bear was put on the endangered species list, but now, Teddy’s going to be formally removed from that list, The Town Talk reports.

“Growing up in the Sportsman’s Paradise, I’m proud to join in the announcement of the recovery of the Louisiana black bear,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said Wednesday, according to The Town Talk. “The resurrection of this iconic symbol of our nation and Louisiana shows the value of science and collaborative research.

“It also represents a commitment to conservation with so many willing partners from private landowners to state and federal agencies, universities and non-governmental organizations coming together to make sure the Louisiana black bear will be around for many generations to come.’’