Summer Mating Season Has Black Bear on the Move School is out, the temperature is rising and the beaches are calling – a typical summer in Alabama. Add to that summertime list an increase in black bear sightings outside the animal's primary ranges in the state. Most recently, numerous sightings of a black bear were reported in Oxford, Ala., Tallapoosa and Lee counties. More Photo: Conservation Enforcement Officers recently tagged and relocated a black bear after it was spotted in Opelika, Ala.  Game Check Seminar Series After three years of insufficient reporting into the voluntary Game Check program, Alabama's Conservation Advisory Board has recommended mandatory reporting of deer and turkey harvests via the Game Check system starting with the 2016-17 hunting season. To educate hunters in Alabama about the Game Check harvesting system, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries is holding seminars about the program throughout the state this summer. VIEW THE COMPLETE GAME CHECK SEMINAR SCHEDULE Snapper Season Open in Alabama Waters Alabama's red snapper season is currently open. The state season will remain open until 11:59 p.m., July 31. Fishermen are still required to report their red snapper harvest through Snapper Check. Reporting can be done through the app, phone, or forms at select boat ramps. More Wildlife Better Off in the Wild ADCNR encourages anyone who finds a seemingly abandoned fawn this summer to leave it in the wild. Attempting to "rescue" a fawn can actually do more harm than good. Most wild birds and mammals, including fawns, are protected by law and may not be legally taken from the wild or kept as pets. In the vast majority of instances, fawns will survive if left alone. More Parks Funding on the Ballot This Fall This November, Alabamians will have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment to permanently fund Alabama State Parks. Follow the Alabama State Parks Partners Facebook page to learn more. Other News  Parks Expand Outdoor Adventures In recent years, Alabama State Parks has expanded outdoor recreation options at its parks. From zip lines at Lake Guntersville and Gulf state parks to FlipSide Watersports at Oak Mountain and rappelling at DeSoto, there is an outdoor adventure waiting for you at an Alabama state park. Check out this video of the new Screaming Eagle Adventures zip line at Lake Guntersville State Park. Learn more at alapark.com. | 
