Yes, wild bears are present in Texas. While their populations are localized, primarily concentrated in West Texas, the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is making a gradual return to parts of its historic range within the state. They are a protected species in Texas.
Texas’s Wild Bear Population
The American black bear, Ursus americanus, is the primary bear species found in Texas. At least two subspecies are thought to occur in the state: the Mexican black bear (Ursus americanus eremicus) and the New Mexico black bear (Ursus americanus amblyceps). Both of these subspecies are found in West Texas, predominantly within the Chisos and Guadalupe Mountains, which offer suitable desert scrub and woodland habitats. A small but growing population exists in the Big Bend and Guadalupe National Park regions, largely due to natural recolonization from neighboring populations in Mexico and New Mexico.
While West Texas holds the only currently established breeding population, individual black bears occasionally wander into East Texas from neighboring states like Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. No stable breeding population exists in East Texas.
Black bears are omnivores, with vegetation making up a large portion of their diet, including leaves, fruits, berries, nuts, roots, and tubers. They also consume insects and small mammals. Adult black bears typically range from 5 to 6 feet in length and can weigh between 90 to over 400 pounds.
From Decline to Recovery
Black bear populations in Texas experienced a significant decline through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This decline was primarily due to widespread habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as unregulated hunting. By the 1950s, bears were largely driven out of Texas into Mexico.
However, efforts by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and other organizations are supporting the recovery of these populations. The black bear is currently listed as a threatened species in Texas, making it illegal to hunt, harass, or kill them. TPWD monitors bear sightings, conducts research on their ecology, and works to enforce protective laws. Conservation efforts in neighboring states like Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma have also contributed to the occasional dispersal of black bears into Texas.
Living Alongside Bears
Coexisting safely with wild bears involves understanding their behavior and taking precautions to prevent conflicts. Bears are generally shy and not aggressive toward humans, but they are opportunistic feeders. Securing food sources is important, as bears can become habituated to human food, leading to undesirable encounters. This includes keeping trash in bear-resistant containers, storing pet and livestock feed securely, and removing bird feeders when bears are active.
If you encounter a bear, it is important to remain calm. Do not approach the bear, and avoid direct eye contact. Slowly back away while talking in a calm manner. Running can trigger a bear’s chase instinct.
If a bear approaches you, stand your ground, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or a jacket, and yell to scare it off. If an attack occurs, fight back aggressively. Reporting bear sightings to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraged to help biologists monitor their presence and manage populations.