Black bears are present in Texas. Once widespread, their populations declined significantly by the mid-20th century due to habitat loss and overhunting, leading to their near disappearance. In recent decades, black bears have begun a natural recolonization process, re-establishing themselves in parts of their historic range. This resurgence highlights their adaptability and the need for understanding and coexistence.
Current Black Bear Presence in Texas
Black bears are primarily found in three main regions of Texas that offer suitable habitat. The Trans-Pecos region in West Texas, particularly within and around Big Bend National Park and the Guadalupe Mountains, holds the most established and growing population. This area’s rugged mountains, desert scrub, and woodlands provide the necessary cover and food sources. Natural recolonization in this region has largely occurred from populations in neighboring Mexico and New Mexico.
Occasional sightings and transient individuals are also reported in the Edwards Plateau, or Central Texas Hill Country. While not yet a stable breeding population, this area’s dense brush and hidden valleys offer potential habitat as bears continue to disperse. Additionally, East Texas, particularly the Piney Woods, experiences transient black bear presence, mainly from expanding populations in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. These bears are often males searching for new territories or food.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) tracks these sightings to understand recolonization rates and aid conservation. While an exact population number for Texas is difficult to confirm, estimates for West Texas alone suggest around 75 bears, with 30-50 in Big Bend National Park. Researchers continue to study their movements and ecological needs to support their continued return.
Coexisting with Black Bears
Living in or visiting areas with black bears requires adopting practices that minimize human-bear conflicts. Securing all potential attractants is a primary step. This includes storing garbage in bear-resistant containers, keeping pet food indoors, and removing bird feeders. For those with deer feeders, switching to bait types like soybeans or planting food plots can reduce bear visitation compared to corn.
If you encounter a black bear, remaining calm is important. Slowly back away while speaking in a calm, firm voice to make the bear aware of your presence. Avoid making direct eye contact and do not run, as this can trigger a bear’s chase instinct. If a bear approaches or stands on its hind legs, which is often a sign of curiosity rather than aggression, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or a backpack and yell to scare it off.
While black bears are generally shy and prefer to avoid humans, they can injure when provoked. If a black bear attacks, fighting back aggressively with any available means is the recommended response, as playing dead is not effective for black bears. Black bears are protected in Texas, and it is illegal to hunt, trap, or kill them unless they pose a clear threat to human safety or property. Reporting bear sightings and conflicts to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department helps biologists manage and understand these returning animals.