Black bears, once eradicated from Texas by the mid-20th century, are steadily reappearing across the state as they expand northward from Mexico and recolonize historic range. Wildlife researchers say the return is encouraging from a conservation standpoint but warn that human encounters are becoming more common.
State biologists have logged roughly 540 bear reports since 2020, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). That figure does not reflect population size—many reports involve the same bear moving through an area—but researchers do note that bears from large, thriving populations in southern Mexico are traveling significant distances into Texas in search of food and habitat.
Where Are Bears Returning?
Black bears began showing up again in the Big Bend region in the 1990s, and sightings have gradually increased. Today, the only established populations remain in the Trans-Pecos as well as parts of Val Verde and Crockett counties, though TPWD notes that individual bears may wander far outside these areas.
To better understand the animals’ movements, the Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University has deployed GPS collars on adult bears—33 in West Texas and four in South Texas so far. These tracking efforts reveal long-distance travel patterns and help scientists assess how often bears interact with people and infrastructure. Recent examples include a bear sprinting across a highway in Zapata County and multiple confirmed sightings in East Texas counties such as Cherokee, Anderson, Panola, and Rusk. Those eastern bears are believed to be migrants from neighboring states with established breeding populations.
A Rise in Human–Bear Conflicts
As recolonization continues, researchers report an uptick in conflicts—any scenario in which bears come into contact with people or human-provided food sources. Compared with the 1800s, when bears were still widespread in Texas, today’s landscape is far more fragmented and urbanized. Limited natural resources, combined with drought, push bears toward trash cans, game feeders, and other attractants.
“They’re incredibly adaptable,” said Amanda Dutt, carnivore specialist with BRI. She notes that bears can destroy expensive feeders in a single night and may venture into populated areas when food is scarce.
Some encounters have had tragic outcomes. In 2020, a resident in Del Rio shot and killed a mother bear after she and her cub entered the city. TPWD attempted to drive the bears away with noise deterrents, but the situation escalated. Because black bears are listed as a state-threatened species, the shooter was later charged. More recently, a bear was struck and killed by a vehicle near Kerrville.
Experts caution that fall brings heightened bear activity as the animals forage for up to 20 hours a day.
How to Stay Safe Around Bears
Because black bears are legally protected in Texas, harming or hunting them is prohibited. TPWD recommends the following if you encounter a bear:
Stay calm, speak softly, and slowly back away. Avoid direct eye contact and never run—running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, raise your arms or backpack to appear larger, and shout to scare it away. If a bear attacks, fight back with whatever you can; do not play dead.
Wildlife officials encourage Texans to report bear sightings to TPWD at 1-800-792-1112.
Original article published at: https://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/outdoors/article/bears-return-texas-21051257.php
Author: Priscilla Aguirre, Weekend Editor.
Oct 11, 2025
