People living near Alpine, Texas, just north of Big Bend National Park, were recently warned to lock their doors and secure farm animals after reports of a wandering black bear started spreading quickly across the area.
The bear, wearing a research collar, is part of a wildlife monitoring project, but it seems to have gotten too close to human homes while searching for food.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department shared an alert through Facebook, urging the community to remove anything that might attract the bear. Wildlife officials are reminding everyone that black bears are driven by food—and if they find easy snacks around homes, they’re likely to keep coming back.
What Attracts Black Bears to Neighborhoods?
Black bears have a very strong sense of smell and are always looking for food. They’re especially drawn to foods rich in sugars and fats, which makes human food items extremely tempting for them.
Here are some of the most common black bear attractants in neighborhoods:
- Food left on kitchen counters or outdoor grills
- Bird feeders and pet food bowls left outside
- Garbage bags or bins that are not secured
- Farm animals like chickens, sheep, or beehives
- Crops and fruits like corn, melons, berries, or ripe fruit trees
To keep bears away, residents are being advised to remove or secure these items, especially during bear activity alerts.
What to Do If You See a Black Bear in Texas
If you ever come face-to-face with a black bear, whether in the wild or your backyard, here’s what you should do:
1. Stay Calm and Don’t Run
Never run from a bear. It will think you’re prey and may chase you. Stay calm, don’t scream in panic.
2. Back Away Slowly
If you entered its space, slowly back away while keeping eye contact. Do not turn your back.
3. Make Noise if It Comes Closer
If the bear starts approaching you, shout, clap your hands, or bang objects to scare it off. Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or opening your jacket.
4. Stand Your Ground If It Charges
If the bear charges, do not run. Hold your ground and grab something hard—a stick, rock, or even bear spray if you have it.
5. Fight Back If Attacked
Unlike with grizzlies, do not play dead if a black bear attacks. Your best chance is to fight back—kick, punch, or hit the bear with anything available. Show the bear that you are not easy prey.