Black Bears Making a Comeback in West Texas

ALPINE, Texas — Black bears, once nearly extinct in West Texas, are making a notable return. As sightings increase, concerns are growing about the implications for local residents and wildlife alike. Community members, researchers, and state officials are grappling with how to coexist with these large mammals as they venture into populated areas.

Why It Matters

The resurgence of black bears in West Texas signals a significant shift in the region’s ecological landscape. While their return is a triumph for wildlife conservation efforts, it raises critical questions about human-wildlife interactions, safety, and the challenges of adapting to a shared environment. Ensuring a harmonious coexistence is essential for both bears and residents.

Key Developments

• Rising Sightings: Reports of black bear sightings in Texas have increased from nearly 80 in 2020 to at least 130 in 2023.

• Research Initiatives: Matt Hewitt, a researcher with the Borderlands Research Institute, is leading efforts to capture and collar bears to assess their population.

• Community Concerns: Residents like Pam and Ken Clouse are taking preventive measures, including removing food sources and electrifying their fences, but bear encounters continue.

• Adaptation Strategies: In places like Montana and Colorado, communities have implemented bear-resistant trash systems, an approach that local biologists suggest might be effective in West Texas.

Full Report

Bears on the Move

Matt Hewitt, engaged in research to monitor the bear population in Far West Texas, is hopeful but cautious about the future of the region’s bears. "There’s more than people realize," he stated, indicating an optimistic outlook for the species’ recovery. Historically, black bears thrived in this area but faced significant decline due to overhunting and habitat reduction.

Attempting Coexistence

Residents are increasingly aware of the realities of living near these formidable animals. The Clouse family, wildlife enthusiasts, have experienced the change firsthand, saying they’ve spotted bears estimated to weigh between 400 to 500 pounds. They’ve ceased their previous practice of offering food and water for visiting wildlife, a decision rooted in recommendations from state wildlife officials.

Pam Clouse remarked on the changing dynamics, "I don’t mind the bears coming back, we don’t want them wiped out, that’s for sure." However, concerns persist regarding potential threats to pets and livestock. Ken Clouse expressed a need for some form of population control, emphasizing that residents shouldn’t endorse a hunting season.

Learning from Others

Krysta Demere, a wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is focused on preparing West Texans for life with bears. Similar communities in other states have adopted strategies to minimize human-bear conflicts, including bear-proof dumpsters and educating residents to secure food sources. Demere notes that areas near national parks have seen fewer bear-human incidents since the introduction of these measures.

The Bigger Picture

As the environment reaches its "carrying capacity," black bears are extending their range and seeking new food sources, a behavior highlighted by Krysta Demere. This trend underscores the urgency for residents and officials alike to embrace new strategies for coexistence as West Texas transitions back into bear territory.

Context & Previous Events

Historically, black bears were once prevalent in West Texas before sharp declines in their population due to hunting and loss of habitat. Their recent sightings indicate a recovery that conservationists celebrate, despite the challenges associated with their return.