The American black bear is the only bear species currently found in Texas. It exists in highly localized areas, primarily due to natural re-colonization from neighboring states and Mexico after the species was nearly eradicated. The current distribution is fragmented and concentrated, making the bear a relatively uncommon sight for most residents.
The Texas Black Bear: Species and Status
The Texas black bear is scientifically identified as Ursus americanus. The population is composed of at least two subspecies that have naturally returned to the state. The Mexican black bear (U. a. eremicus) and the New Mexico black bear (U. a. amblyceps) are the dominant subspecies populating the western mountain ranges. The Louisiana black bear (U. a. luteolus) is also occasionally seen in the eastern part of the state, but it does not form a stable breeding population.
All black bears are listed as a threatened species by the state of Texas, making it illegal to harm, harass, or kill them. The species was almost entirely extirpated by the mid-20th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. The current fragmented populations result from slow, natural re-establishment, with bears crossing into Texas from viable populations in Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Understanding Current Distribution
Black bear distribution in Texas is characterized by three distinct patterns of presence, defined by proximity to adjacent stable populations and suitable habitat. The most established and reproductively viable population resides in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. This population is concentrated in the high-elevation areas of Big Bend National Park, specifically the Chisos Mountains, and the nearby Davis and Guadalupe Mountains.
The Trans-Pecos bears are descendants of animals that migrated north from the mountains of Coahuila and Chihuahua in Mexico. These bears have adapted to the desert-mountain scrub environment, with their presence documented across all Trans-Pecos counties except El Paso and Hudspeth. Evidence of breeding, such as female bears with cubs, is most consistently confirmed in this western region, forming the only recognized population in Texas.
In East Texas, the forested area known as the Piney Woods hosts a transient, non-residential bear presence. These individuals are typically young males dispersing from populations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. While sightings are documented in the eastern counties, a consistent breeding population with established female home ranges has not materialized. The bears passing through are generally temporary visitors.
A third, sparser distribution exists in Central and South Texas, particularly along the Rio Grande corridor. These are typically transient male bears crossing north from Mexico. Sightings in counties like Val Verde and Crockett represent temporary explorations rather than established residency.
Coexisting with Bears
As the bear population expands, managing human and bear interactions becomes important to prevent conflict. Most conflicts arise when bears are attracted to easily accessible human food sources, leading to food conditioning. Preventative measures center on securing all potential attractants, especially in bear-prone areas like the Trans-Pecos.
Campers and hikers should use bear-proof storage containers for food, trash, and scented items, securing them away from sleeping areas. Residents must secure outdoor garbage cans, remove bird feeders, and ensure pet food is not left outdoors, as these attract bears into residential spaces. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department encourages reporting all bear sightings to help biologists track the species’ re-colonization progress.
If an encounter occurs, never run, as this can trigger a bear’s chase instinct. Individuals should remain calm, speak in a low voice while slowly backing away, and avoid direct eye contact. If a bear approaches, stand your ground and try to look larger by raising your arms or backpack, and yell loudly to scare the animal away. If a black bear attacks, fighting back aggressively is the recommended response. Playing dead is only advised for encounters with grizzly bears, which are not present in Texas.