Alpine, Texas – Research efforts are underway in Far West Texas to monitor the expanding black bear population. Matt Hewitt, a researcher at the Borderlands Research Institute, affiliated with Sul Ross State University, leads a team that captures and collars black bears to estimate their numbers across the region's mountains and desert areas. While precise figures are pending, Hewitt indicates that the population is larger than generally perceived.
Historically, black bears were prominent predators in the region, but their numbers declined over several decades due to overhunting and habitat loss. Recent data from the state indicates an increase in black bear sightings, from approximately 80 in 2020 to at least 130 in the current year. Similar population growth trends are also noted by researchers in other states.
Challenges of Coexistence
The expansion of the black bear population into developed areas has introduced challenges, including bears entering residential properties and posing risks to livestock and domestic animals. Residents like Pam and Ken Clouse of Alpine have reported bear encounters. The Clouses, who previously provided food and water for local wildlife, have since removed these attractants and installed an electric fence at the recommendation of state officials to deter bears. Pam Clouse described observed bears as weighing an estimated 400-500 pounds. Ken Clouse stated the need for a management approach beyond a hunting season to control the bear population.
Adaptation Strategies
Communities in states such as Montana and Colorado have adopted measures to coexist with bear populations. These include the implementation of bear-resistant waste containers and deterrents like alarm systems or sprinklers. Wildlife biologists emphasize the importance of removing food sources and other potential attractants.
During late summer and fall, black bears increase their caloric intake significantly, consuming approximately 20,000 calories daily in preparation for denning. Their strong sense of smell enables them to detect food from considerable distances.
Raymond Skiles, a former wildlife biologist at Big Bend National Park, documented the return of black bears to the park in the late 1980s. The park implemented measures such as bear-proof dumpsters, public education campaigns, and regulations against leaving food accessible. Skiles reports that these strategies have reduced human-bear conflicts in the Chisos Mountains area of the park. He now considers the applicability of similar strategies in West Texas communities.
Population Dynamics and Movement
Wildlife conservationists propose that bears are migrating northward from Big Bend National Park, an area comparable in size to Rhode Island, due to the landscape reaching its "carrying capacity." Krysta Demere, a wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, explained that when an area exceeds its carrying capacity, natural resources become insufficient, prompting animals to seek new food sources.
Demere's role includes assisting West Texas residents in adapting to the presence of black bears, a situation largely absent for over 80 years. This means current generations have limited prior experience with coexisting with black bears. Future generations in Alpine and surrounding areas are anticipated to experience an environment with a continued black bear presence.