Black Bears on the Rise: Texas Towns Gear Up for the Unexpected Invasion

Black bear populations are bouncing back in Texas, with sightings reported in remote areas of the state. According to researchers at the Borderlands Research Institute, affiliated with Sul Ross State University, the number of black bears in the region has increased significantly over the past few years. In Alpine, Texas, residents have reported seeing black bears in their neighborhoods, with some even capturing images of the animals on game cameras. Matt Hewitt, a researcher at the Borderlands Research Institute, has been working to understand the growing black bear population in the area. He has been setting up steel traps baited with donuts and cantaloupe to capture and collar the bears. "It's completely empty," Hewitt said, referring to the trap he had set up earlier that day. "We're hoping to catch a few more bears and get a better idea of just how many are roaming around." The increase in black bear sightings has been a welcome change for some residents, who had previously seen the animals as a rare sight. Ken Clouse and his wife Pam, who live south of Alpine, have been seeing black bears in their neighborhood for the past two years. "It's amazing to see them out here," Clouse said. "We've got a game camera on our porch, and we've caught some great shots of them over the years." However, not all residents are pleased with the growing black bear population. Some have expressed concerns about the potential risks to human safety and property. "We understand that the bears are a part of the ecosystem, but we also have to be mindful of the risks they pose to our community," said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. The growing black bear population in Texas is a result of a combination of factors, including a decline in hunting and a increase in food availability. According to researchers, the state's black bear population had been in decline for many years, but has been steadily increasing since the 1990s. The increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including a decline in hunting and an increase in food availability, particularly in the form of garbage and pet food. Researchers at the Borderlands Research Institute are working to better understand the growing black bear population and to develop strategies for coexisting with the animals. "We're trying to get a better understanding of the bears' behavior and habitat use, so that we can develop effective management strategies," said Hewitt. The current status of the black bear population in Texas is that it is continuing to grow, with sightings reported in remote areas of the state. Researchers are working to understand the factors driving the increase and to develop strategies for coexisting with the animals. Next developments include continued research and monitoring of the black bear population, as well as the development of education and outreach programs to inform residents about the risks and benefits of living in bear country.