Bear Sightings Increase In NE Texas
Bear Crosses Lake Falcon
July 2, 2020
Whale Shark Takes Long Gulf Trip
July 15, 2020
Since April, there has been an uptick in black bear sightings in Bowie, Grayson and Titus counties in northeast Texas. The bears are thought to originate from the neighboring states of Oklahoma and Arkansas, or possibly Louisiana, where resident bear populations are well established and expanding. As the numbers of this iconic species grows, dispersing black bears find their way across state lines into Texas, signaling the possibility of its eventual permanent return to our landscape.
Chester Moore in partnership with Texas Fish & Game put together this poster in 2007 and it has been distributed to thousands of outdoor lovers. If you would like a .pdf of this bear awareness and safety poster email cmoore@fishgame.com
“It is inspiring as a biologist to watch these animals make their return to Northeast Texas after being absent for a century or more,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologist, Penny Wilkerson.
The recovery of black bears in the three-state region has been ongoing for 30-50 years. Thanks to conservation efforts, the Louisiana black bear is no longer listed as a federally threatened species. Similarly, efforts in Oklahoma and Arkansas have increased and expanded bear populations by focusing on habitat conservation and species management.
Bears are secretive but curious and have an excellent sense of smell, with much of their behavior driven by their appetite. These natural characteristics can, however, become a problem when bears find an easy meal from a human-related source. Most sighting reports come from game camera photos around game feeders dispensing corn or pelleted feed.
“Bears do not generally pose a threat to pets or livestock. These critters are omnivores and are more interested in berries, grubs and acorns than anything else,” Wilkerson said.
Texas hunters should make sure that they know their targets as hogs and bears can look very similar from a distance. Black bears are currently a protected species in Texas
TPWD is interested in documenting all sightings of bears and encourages reporting any sightings to a local biologist. Biologists can provide technical help on how to detour bears, and other unique animal visitors, from areas near your home. Residents can find a local biologist and more information about bears and bear safety on the TPWD website. Residents are also encouraged to call the east Texas Region Office at 903-566-1626 extension 209.
2 Comments
I wish land owners in Texas with hog issues would stop crying due to the devastation to their property and at the same time they believe the hogs belong to them. They charge an absolutely absurd fee for hunters to harvest these unwanted varmint’s but at the same time land owners think this is their salvation financially!
If the TPWD would step in and make these critters unwanted then maybe we the citizens of TX could make a dent in their population! Until then the land owners will just have to suffer at their own self made problem.
Many individuals in TX would be more than happy to help make a dent in these destructive animals population but not to support land owners income.
While I certainly agree that the pigs do nor belong to the landowner but the land does. Hunting is certainly a way to control these pests but REASONABLE fees are justified since there are additional expenses incurred when you open private land to hunting. Incidentally there are a number of things that people can do to get invited to hunt on private land. A few examples: Don’t shoot any livestock or buildings, be very respectful to the owner & family, offer to help with some chores during or after the seasons, always ask permission, share your harvest, pick up any trash you might see, leave gates the way you find them, report any damage you might see…..there’s more but I think you get my drift.