CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- State wildlife officials say southern West Virginia has become a popular habitat for black bears.

Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro told state legislators in Charleston this week bears have been thriving there since they were introduced years ago to relieve pressures in other parts of the state, according to Bluefield Daily Telegraph.

He said old strip mines are a perfect habitat for the bruins.

In northern counties, for instance, one cub born per female is the norm, while in southern West Virginia the ratio is higher.