 Black bears are native Texans, but unregulated hunting caused them to disappear by the 1960s. Now they're slowly coming back. These small bears are shy and normally not a risk to people or pets. Their diet is mostly plants plus some insects, but they'll eat most anything – including your trash. So if a bear’s in the area, remove any outdoor food until it moves on.
Once a bear gets a taste of food from people, it’s almost impossible to retrain it to be afraid of people. This typically ends badly for the bear, as was the case in Del Rio that left a bear cub orphaned. Watch our video Two Bears Go Home to learn this little cub's happy ending.
Black bears are threatened in Texas, and it’s illegal to harm them. If you find yourself near one, do NOT run, DO back away. Then let your local biologist know where you saw it. Check out our other tips for co-existing with black bears.
All our wildlife, including black bears, will have a better chance at survival if the Recovering America's Wildlife Act passes. Find out how you can help by reading the story "Act Today for Wildlife Tomorrow," below.
 It's free, it's fun and best of all, it's an excuse to go look for wildlife – it's the City Nature Challenge! This is the contest where cities compete to make the most nature observations, find the most different species and have the most participants.
Join us! Make observations by taking photos of plants, animals and funguses from April 29 to May 2, then upload those observations to iNaturalist – there's a free app. Cities all over the world participate, making it even more exciting. If you don't see your city listed, join the global community. Your unique observations may be just what your community needs for a win. See you outside this weekend!
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