Black bears, once nearly wiped out in Texas, are slowly making their way back into the state’s wild areas—and sightings are increasing more than ever before. According to the experts at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the number of confirmed black bear sightings has gone up significantly since the early 2000s.
So, what’s bringing them back? And should Texans be concerned? Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening with black bears in the Lone Star State.
Why Were Black Bears Disappearing from Texas?
Years ago, black bears were commonly seen in several parts of Texas. However, due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction, their population dropped sharply, pushing them close to extinction in the region. For decades, most Texans rarely saw or even thought about black bears.
The few that remained were mostly in far western Texas, around the Black Gap Region and Big Bend National Park.
The Return of the Bears: Sightings on the Rise
In the year 2000, the TPWD recorded just 25 sightings of black bears in the entire state. Fast forward to 2021, and that number rose to 80 sightings. By 2022, it had nearly doubled to 154 confirmed sightings. That’s a sixfold increase in just over two decades.
The recent rise in sightings has been reported in areas like the Western Texas Hill Country, especially in counties like Kaufman, Menard, and Kimble. One notable incident happened in October 2023, when a black bear was seen wandering the streets of Uvalde, Texas. Fortunately, the bear was safely captured and relocated.
Why Are Black Bears Returning Now?
According to Dana Karelus, a mammologist with TPWD, one key reason for the sudden increase in bear sightings is the ongoing drought conditions in many parts of the region. When natural food and water sources dry up, animals like black bears are forced to move in search of better resources.
This means some bears are wandering into new areas where they haven’t been seen in years—or even decades.
What Should Texans Do If They Spot a Black Bear?
The TPWD is encouraging Texans to report any black bear sightings they come across. This helps wildlife experts better understand how many bears are returning and where they are appearing. It also helps create safer environments for both people and animals.
While black bears are usually shy and try to avoid humans, it’s still important to be cautious. Avoid feeding or approaching them, and keep your distance if you ever encounter one.