A young male black bear that drew attention last year along the Neches River has resurfaced after the winter, and wildlife officials now believe he may have done something not documented in decades: remain in East Texas through the cold months.
“Thanks to verified reports from the public, we believe this bear successfully overwintered along the Neches River corridor. If so, this would be the first documented black bear to overwinter in over 50 years,” TPWD announced Thursday.
That corridor—stretching roughly from Highway 79 down to Highway 294—has become the bear’s home base, at least for now. Sightings have clustered across Anderson and Cherokee counties, with the possibility that he could wander into the northeastern parts of Houston County as the year goes on.
For decades, black bears were largely absent from Texas, having been nearly wiped out by the mid-1900s. In recent years, however, sightings have ticked up across the state, especially in West Texas, where a small but growing population has taken hold. Occasional appearances in East and South Texas have typically been brief, with bears moving on after passing through. This one didn’t.
TPWD officials say the bear still appears wary of people, a good sign for both humans and the animal’s long-term survival.
“This young black bear is growing fast and could hit full maturity by mid-summer,” the agency said. “Based on its travels, it may be headed toward bear country in Louisiana, Arkansas or Oklahoma to find a mate.”
Or he could stick around longer.
Wildlife officials are asking residents in Anderson, Cherokee and nearby counties to report sightings to local biologists or game wardens. Killing, harassing or harming a black bear is illegal under both federal and state law, with penalties that can reach $12,000 and possible jail time.
Signs of a broader comeback are already taking shape elsewhere in Texas. At the Independence Creek Preserve, researchers recently confirmed the birth of two cubs—including one named Pancakes Jr.—to a collared female known as Pancakes. The same bear has now raised at least six cubs in the area, evidence that breeding populations are taking hold in parts of the state.