Published: September 12, 2007 06:20 pm            

Evidence of Texas bears sees growth

Last month we reported that hunter Mary Bone of Wimberly captured video footage of a black bear while hunting near Leakey July 2.

Since then I have talked with several hunters in Texas who have reported seeing bears in Texas, mainly in the Pineywoods region along the Sabine River corridor.

Al Weaver of Groves who books for African safari outfitters Limcroma Safaris photographed one while hog hunting with his son Ty never Bay City in 2004.

“It was very surprising to see a black bear in Texas, but there it was up in a free. I’m just glad I got a good photo of it,” Weaver said.

Bone’s bear encounter was undoubtedly a drifter from Mexico or Texas Trans Pecos region populations but the Bay City specimen is more puzzling. Most likely it was simply a young male that wandered around the state looking for a mate and came through the Brush Country or it possibly could have came down through Louisiana and along the coast.

Another possibility is there are isolated pockets of bear populations developing in Texas.

No matter what the scenario bears have been crossing into West and East Texas for a number of years and are now establishing populations in some of those areas.

There have been no official bear restoration efforts in Texas, but bears are being seen more frequently. This is a perfect example of animal populations being able to rebound if left alone.

If you see a bear in Texas, whatever you do, do not shoot it. Black bears are considered a threatened species in the Lone Star State and killing one would you in serious trouble.

Since these potentially dangerous animals are not a common to most Texans, it is important those who are the most likely to encounter them know a little bit about the beasts.

The Center for Wildlife Information recommends the following for bear encounters:

• If a black bear is visible, but not close, alter your route so that you will move away from its area.

• If a black bear approaches, do not run. Remain calm, continue facing the bear and slowly back away. If the bear continues to approach, try to group together and pick up small children. Try to scare the bear away by shouting and acting aggressively.

• If a black bear attacks, it is suggested to fight back using everything in your power fists, sticks, rocks, and E.P.A. registered bear pepper spray.

“You hear a lot about ‘playing dead’ if a bear attacks you but that only works for a grizzly some times. Black bears rarely attack but when they do it’s usually an act of predation, not of territoriality so fight back with all you have,” said Don Zaidle, author of American Man-Killers.

Some other tips for bear interaction involve proper campsite maintenance. This is actually a good idea for any kind of camping in areas where encounters with wildlife are likely.

• Always keep a clean camp.

• Use a designated camping area.

• Don't leave food out when not in use. Store it in bear-resistant storage unit, hard shelled vehicle or car trunk.

• Set up tents with space between them.

• Keep pets on a leash.

• Keep your sleeping area, tent and sleeping bag free of food and odors.

• Don't sleep in clothes you cooked in.

• Keep a flashlight and bear pepper spray readily available.

• Use bear-resistant trash receptacles (if available where you camp).

Black bears are amazing animals and I welcome them back to Texas whether it’s through natural migration or the limited stocking program that has been discussed by state officials.

They are an animal that deserves respect and earns caution, so it’s best to be prepared incase you are fortunate enough to see one with your own eyes.

NOTE: If you have photographs of bears take in Texas, e-mail them to cmoore@fishgame.com.

        

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