Black bear (BC COS / Twitter) With spring officially on its way, it’s a given that BC’s bear population will soon be waking up from winter hibernation and heading out into the wilderness once again. By Dana Goolsby. Eric Zimmer | Mar 12 2019, 8:47 pm. Hunting bear is illegal in Texas because the anim At best According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the only substantial populations … North America's bear areas map: This map shows the overlapping geographic ranges of three types of bears that inhabit North America - polar bears, black bears, and grizzly bears (also known as brown bears). If a bear regularly visits your deer stand, scare it with rocks, a slingshot or air horn. If you encounter a bear at close range, talk in a calm manner while backing away slowly. Having encountered thousands of wild animals over the years, my attention is always drawn to their eyes because they reveal so much about demeanor and intelligence. Male bears weigh 150 to over 350 lbs., and females weigh 120 to 250 lbs. In East Texas, just before dusk as the setting sun’s rays pierce through pockets of the pines, visibility is limited. By having an understanding of the number and rate at which black bears are returning to Texas, biologists can better develop and direct wildlife management plans for the species, as well as education and outreach activities in the communities adjacent to black bear habitat. Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists believe that female black bears in Texas hibernate while males do not. A sign posted on CR 2087 in Hardin caused a bit of a stir this week for neighbors in the area. Wildlife experts say the growing black bear population in Oklahoma is migrating south of the Red River. Research is currently underway by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to determine the status of Black Bears in Texas. The eyes always tell the story. Planting food plots is the best way to attract deer and avoid bear visits! Black Bears Making a Slow and Natural Return to East Texas. Black Bear Sightings are on the Rise in Parts of Texas. Counties with con˜rmed bear sightings Counties with con˜rmed breeding populations Confirmed Texas black bear sightings 2000–2017. The Black Bear, Ursus americanus, is on the state endangered species list. Black bear sightings continue to increase in South Texas, Hill Country 12 area counties have reported sightings Her research correlates maps of food sources like oak trees (acorns) and prickly pear with bear movements, documenting that female bears will travel twice as far as in times of drought, or what she calls the “threshold of misery.” Black bears can have enormous ranges during these periods, as great as about 380 square miles, she says. See also. The bears tend to stay in wooded areas, but sometimes venture out looking for food. John M. Tomeček1 and Russell Martin2 Black Bears Living with in Texas. HOUSTON – According to Texas Parks and Wildlife officials black bear sightings tend to increase in the fall as the animals prepare for hibernation. TPWD biologists encourage people to report recent bear sightings to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This might account for some of the sightings in the Texas Hill Country, as bears travel to find a mate during the summer months. Most of these sightings are written off as hoaxes, or pet bears of private citizens that have escaped. At least one bear was spotted over the weekend in Cass County. Since 2010, sightings of black bears in east Texas has been on the rise. Since 2010, sightings of black bears in east Texas has been on the rise. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has documented numerous reliable bear sightings in recent years throughout East Texas. At least one bear was spotted over the weekend in Cass County. Should you encounter a bear, remember: Bears are normally shy and not aggressive to humans. Black bears mate during the months of June and July. See also. Eric Zimmer | Mar 12 2019, 8:47 pm. Hunting bear is illegal in Texas because the anim Male home ranges … East Texas, though, does provide prime habitat for black bears. A 320-pound male black bear hit and killed by a vehicle in West Texas over the weekend will now be used for "educational purposes," according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. TPWD has no way of knowing how many sightings go unreported each year. Though there are no reported sightings in Houston County yet, there are reports of black bear sightings as close as Anderson County.