Mill Mountain Park in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Black Bear Recovery
In pre-colonial times, black bears could be found all across Virginia. By 1900, the population of black bears had plummeted due to hunting and habitat loss from deforestation.
As forests in Virginia begin to spread again, and controlled hunting led to better management of Virginia's black bears, their range in the state began to increase.
In the 2000's, black bears greatly expanded their range and population with the help of comprehensive management plans, forest recovery, and better programs to educate people on how to live with bears. Today, the recovery of black bears is one of Virginia's greatest wildlife success stories!
Erected by Mill Mountain Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 37° 14.822′ N, 79° 56.208′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Mill Mountain Park. It is on Mill Mountain Spur Southeast south of Ridgeline Trail, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2404 Prospect Rd SE, Roanoke
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Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region and in Southwest Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bald Eagle (a few steps from this marker); Red Wolf (a few steps from this marker); Northern Lynx (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Panda (within shouting distance of this marker); Burmese Python (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Myotonic Goats (about 300 feet away); American Guinea Hog (about 400 feet away); Domestic Ducks (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
