Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) and Safari Club International (SCI) are proud to announce the premiere of a powerful new documentary chronicling one of America’s greatest wildlife recoveries: the return of the Louisiana black bear.

Once on the brink of extinction, the Louisiana black bear has made a historic comeback. New film highlights the species' journey from being listed as threatened in the early 1990s to its current thriving status—a victory made possible through science, landowner cooperation, and smart, responsible wildlife management.

“This film tells a story few thought possible,” said Maria Davidson, former Large Carnivore Program Manager at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and now SCI Foundation Large Carnivore Manager. “Recovering a large carnivore in a state dominated by private lands seemed impossible. But with the support of private landowners, we proved it could be done.”

The documentary highlights the unprecedented collaboration among state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and private landowners who worked together to restore vital bear habitat, conduct groundbreaking research, and engage communities in long-term conservation efforts.

More than a story of survival, the film is a call to action—reminding us that continued success depends on ongoing commitment, partnership, and science-based management.

Film Premiere

Date: September 18, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM MST

Watch Online: https://safariclubfoundation.org/la-bear-movie/

Join us for the premiere and witness how Louisiana brought an iconic species back from the brink. This is not just a wildlife comeback—it’s a celebration of what’s possible when science, conservation, and community come together.