Bears Sighted in Northeast Texas

NORTHEAST TEXAS – Wildlife biologists are advising persons in rural areas of Northeast Texas to be aware of bears. At least four sightings have been documented on game trail cameras between June and late August, and one of those was in Smith County. Wildlife biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department speculate the bears, which appear to be young males, are looking to establish their own new home ranges. They may have come from Oklahoma and Arkansas where bear numbers have increased in recent years.

Dave Holdermann, a non-game wildlife biologist with TPWD in Tyler, says bears are normally shy and not aggressive to humans. But if a bear regularly visits a ranch or deer stand, people should try to scare it with rocks, a slingshot or air horn. He adds, “If people encounter a bear at close range, they should talk calmly while backing away slowly. Don’t make direct eye contact, and don’t run away.If a bear approaches you, stand your ground and raise your arms, backpack or jacket to appear larger and yell at the bear to scare it off.”