Presenter: Jerry Cooke

Commission Agenda Item No. 9
Briefing
Black Bears in Texas
November 2001

I. Discussion: Black bear activity in Texas has been on the rise for the last 15 years. This increase in activity is heavily influenced by expanding bear populations in Mexico and New Mexico that spillover into western Texas, and expanding populations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma that have spread to eastern Texas. As bear activity continues to increase in the Trans-Pecos and Pineywoods, TPW will face management and conservation challenges more frequently. It may be time for a comprehensive black bear management planning effort in Texas so that we can fulfill our conservation mission while dealing with statewide bear issues in the future.