Louisiana

A black bear attack recently killed a Florida woman. Here’s where they’re found in Louisiana

Published

10 months ago

May 8, 2025

A black bear attack recently killed a Florida woman. Here’s where they’re found in Louisiana

On May 5, in Jerome, Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to a call regarding a bear encounter, where one person and one dog were found dead at the scene.

Officials warned residents that the bear may still be in the area and, therefore, the area should be avoided. This is the second bear attack in Florida in 2025.

While black bear attacks are rare, as the species is typically non-aggressive, there are chances when encounters could escalate.

Where are black bears found in Louisiana?

Now, as they emerge from their dens after hibernation, black bears may be more active during the spring as they search for food after winter.

Black bears are most active during the fall, before hibernation, and are less active overall during the summer due to lower food supply. Additionally, black bears are also most active during early morning and late evening, especially around dawn and dusk.

In Louisiana, black bears are predominantly found in forested wetlands along the Mississippi Valley, particularly within the Tensas and Atchafalaya River Basins, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Black bears have also been sighted in other regions of the state, including the Kisatchie National Forest and in various parishes such as Allen, Natchitoches and East Baton Rouge.

In addition to this, recent reports indicate an increase in black bear activity and sightings, especially in the southeast and central areas of the state.

Black bear population in Louisiana

The black bear, which is Louisiana’s official state mammal, has recently recovered from threatened status and is now considered a viable species.

The black bear population in Louisiana is estimated to be between 1,200 to 1,500, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries works to monitor the black bear population in certain regions of the state where they are most concentrated.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has also taken efforts to expand and connect black bear habitats through reforestation and translocation.

Now, black bear sightings have increased in some areas, and they are becoming more common in areas where they were once less prevalent.

What should you do if you encounter a black bear?

As black bear activity and sightings increase, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is advocating for public awareness and education regarding bear safety and to prevent attracting bears to residential areas.

When encountering a black bear, the main goal is to remain calm and avoid actions that could provoke or escalate the situation. Therefore, individuals should back away slowly, make noise to alert the bear of your presence and ensure that the bear has an escape route, says the National Park Service.

If you are unable to back away calmly and quietly, and the bear shows aggression, then it’s recommended that you stand your ground, make yourself appear large and use bear spray if necessary. Then, if the bear attacks, you should fight back aggressively, according to the National Parks Service.

Have there been bear attacks in Louisiana?

Black bear attacks on humans are very rare and, while there have been reports of attacks in other states, there is no evidence of attacks occurring in Louisiana, says Louisiana Sportsman.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com

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Louisiana

State Treasurer John Fleming accuses Jeff Landry of interfering in Louisiana Senate race

Published

1 hour ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

State Treasurer John Fleming accuses Jeff Landry of interfering in Louisiana Senate race

BATON ROUGE (KNOE) – Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming is accusing Governor Jeff Landry of interfering with the state Senate race, which Fleming is a part of.

Fleming took to social media to accuse Landry of working “behind the scenes” to get Congresswoman Julia Letlow elected to the Senate.

According to Fleming, Dr. Ralph Abraham offered him the position of Deputy Director of the CDC shortly before announcing he was stepping down. Fleming said he politely declined.

A week later, news broke that Abraham is now leading Letlow’s Senate campaign.

“We know that Jeff has been heavily lobbying the Trump campaign team for the endorsement, he is pressuring the Republican Party of Louisiana and the Republican Executive Committees to support and endorse Letlow as well,” Fleming wrote on Facebook. “And, he is personally calling his donors to raise big money to save the Letlow campaign.

Landry formally endorsed Letlow for the U.S. Senate on March 4. Letlow also has the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

“We need a warrior who stands with the President to Make America Great. And there’s no greater warrior than a Louisiana mom,” Landry wrote on Facebook.

Fleming continued his commentary, asking when Landry will stop interfering with the state’s Senate race.

“Who is best to decide who represents you in Washington? Jeff Landry, or YOU?” Fleming asked.

Also in the heated race is incumbent Bill Cassidy, M.D.

Party primary elections in Louisiana are set for May 16, 2026.

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Louisiana

Louisiana Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for March 3, 2026

Published

13 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

The Louisiana Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 3, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from March 3 drawing

07-21-53-54-62, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 3 drawing

6-8-3

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 3 drawing

3-6-7-4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from March 3 drawing

0-8-3-2-0

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Louisiana Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Louisiana Lottery offices. Prizes of over $5,000 must be claimed at Lottery office.

By mail, follow these instructions:

Sign and complete the information on the back of your winning ticket, ensuring all barcodes are clearly visible (remove all scratch-off material from scratch-off tickets).
Photocopy the front and back of the ticket (except for Powerball and Mega Millions tickets, as photocopies are not accepted for these games).
Complete the Louisiana Lottery Prize Claim Form, including your telephone number and mailing address for prize check processing.
Photocopy your valid driver’s license or current picture identification.

Mail all of the above in a single envelope to:

Louisiana Lottery Headquarters

555 Laurel Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70801

To submit in person, visit Louisiana Lottery headquarters:

555 Laurel Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, (225) 297-2000.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Louisiana Lottery.

When are the Louisiana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5: Daily at 9:59 p.m. CT.
Easy 5: 9:59 p.m. CT Wednesday and Saturday.
Lotto: 9:59 p.m. CT Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Louisiana editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Louisiana

Brother of Louisiana mayor accused of raping 16-year-old has a hauntingly similar criminal past

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Brother of Louisiana mayor accused of raping 16-year-old has a hauntingly similar criminal past

The brother of Louisiana mayor Misty Roberts — accused of raping her son’s teenage friend — is facing child sex crimes of his own.

Brandon Lee Roberts, 39, was accused of raping a teen girl and assaulting a young woman over the course of several years, KALB reported.

Brandon Lee Roberts, 39, is accused of raping a teen girl and assaulting a young woman over the course of several years. Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office

The alleged sexual abuse began when one of the victims was as young as 13, according to Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford.

He was arrested in October.

Booking photo of Misty Clanton Roberts. — Brandon’s sister, Misty, the ex-mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, allegedly raped her son’s teenage friend. AP

That comes years after his big sister – ex-mayor of DeRidder, 43-year-old Misty Roberts – allegedly got hot and heavy with her son’s 16-year-old friend at a drunken party at their home.

Roberts was allegedly caught in the tryst by her own kids.

She was arrested months later, and is currently on trial for rape charges.

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