TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A rare visitor made headlines recently. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou all are a part of history right now. This is a wonderful phenomenon happening right now,\u201d said Reuben Gay, a district wildlife biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, during a recent Texas Black Bear Alliance meeting. And he\u2019s right\u2014East Texas witnessed something truly remarkable last year.<\/p>\n
The Bear\u2019s Arrival<\/p>\n
Beginning in July and continuing through December, a black bear made appearances across East Texas, primarily in Cherokee and Anderson County. <\/p>\n
READ MORE: Black bear sightings reported around East Texas<\/a><\/p>\n This was no ordinary wildlife sighting; it marked a significant moment in the region\u2019s natural history.<\/p>\n The first documented sighting occurred on July 15, on a property in the area, followed quickly by a photo from a neighboring property to the north. <\/p>\n Based on the bear\u2019s size and height, wildlife officials determined the animal was a male juvenile.<\/p>\n Where Did It Come From?<\/p>\n Before reaching Texas, experts believe the bear traveled from Louisiana, Arkansas, or Oklahoma.<\/p>\n Is It Dangerous?<\/p>\n One of the most pressing questions from the community: Is this bear a threat? The answer, according to Gay, is reassuring.<\/p>\n \u201cThis bear as of today is not dangerous,\u201d Gay stated. \u201cWe haven\u2019t had any serious or significant human conflicts with this bear. We\u2019re just asking people to be bear wise\u2014call us, go to our website, go to the bear wise website and learn about the bear\u2019s psychology and biology and learn to live with them.\u201d<\/p>\n The Search Continues<\/p>\n The bear could still be in East Texas. During a search and rescue operation in Cherokee County, the mayor\u2019s office and sheriff\u2019s department discovered fresh bear tracks just south of the 84 Bridge on the Anderson County side\u2014evidence that the animal may not have left the region.<\/p>\n