Texas Parks Wildlife Confirms Multiple Black Bear Sightings East Texas

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has confirmed several sightings of black bears in East Texas counties including Cherokee, Anderson, Panola, and Rusk. Black bears, designated as a threatened species in Texas, are protected by law, and it is illegal to harm or capture them, with penalties including fines and jail time. These bears are native to Texas but had largely disappeared by the mid-20th century; their recent appearances are attributed to young bears dispersing from breeding populations in neighboring states such as Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. TPWD advises residents to remain calm and maintain distance if they encounter bears, ensuring attractants like garbage and pet food are secured to encourage bears to move on. Sightings have also been reported in other parts of Texas, indicating a possible gradual range expansion of black bears within the state. Wildlife officials emphasize that black bears are generally not aggressive and should be left alone to maintain safety for both humans and bears.