Black bear populations are bouncing back. Here's how these Texas towns are coping

"Historically, black bears were once the biggest predator to travel the region in large numbers, but overhunting and habitat loss led to their decline over several decades. But in recent years, the number of black bears in West Texas have been on the rise: sightings in the state have jumped from nearly 80 in 2020 to at least 130 so far this year, according to state data. And in other states, researchers believe black bear populations are growing too."

""I don't mind the bears coming back, we don't want them wiped out, that's for sure," said Pam Clouse, who lives in Alpine, an area that's seen a number of bear encounters in recent years. "You know, they were almost extinct." Clouse and her husband, Ken, both grew up in West Texas, and consider themselves wildlife enthusiasts. During drought years, the couple would sprinkle buckets full of corn on their yard and keep troughs of water on their property"

"In one of the most remote corners of Texas, Matt Hewitt is unlocking the door to a giant steel trap he's hoping will catch a black bear. 'It's completely empty,' Hewitt says, as he reaches for a bucket with bait days-old glazed donuts and frozen cantaloupe. Hewitt, a researcher at the Borderlands Research Institute, affiliated with Sul Ross State University, leads a group that captures and collars black bears"

Researchers in far West Texas are trapping and collaring black bears to estimate population size across mountains and desert areas. Black bear sightings in Texas increased from nearly 80 in 2020 to at least 130 this year, with researchers noting growth in other states as well. Historical declines resulted from overhunting and habitat loss, but recent years show population rebounds. The bears' return has led to more neighborhood encounters and risks to livestock and pets. Local residents express support for bear recovery while taking preventive measures such as removing attractants and electrifying fences. Population estimates remain preliminary.

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