http://www.ksr.ku.edu/libres/Mammals...rsus-amer.html

"Range and Habitat: The original distribution of the black bear in Kansas probably encompassed the eastern half of the state, where it occupied forest and woodland habitats. Farther west it was found principally in riparian forests along stream and river courses, and was probably rare or absent from open grasslands. Presently, the black bear may occur in southeastern Kansas only as individuals dispersing from Missouri and Arkansas (see remarks section)."