One Texas City is on “Bear Watch” After Reports of A Black Bear Roaming Around

When you think about animals running roaming around neighborhoods in Texas, bears probably aren't the first animal that comes to mind. But that might be changing for at least one Texas community.

Texas wildlife officials are warning residents in the West Texas town of Alpine to be on alert after there were multiple reports of a black bear roaming around the Double Diamond neighborhood south of Alpine. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department issued a "Bear Watch" for the area after last week's sighting.

According to Chron.com, the Trans-Pecos Wildlife District took to social media urging residents to secure "attractants" saying, "If attractants are not secured, this bear may learn to associate people and the neighborhood with food."

It was good timing for the bear to be sure with the Thanksgiving holiday, I'm sure there were plenty of attractants to be found.

Black Bears Are Found in Texas

According to Chron.com, at least two subspecies of Black Bear can be found in Texas.

At least two subspecies of black bear are thought to occur in Texas: the Mexican black bear (Ursus americanus eremicus) and the New Mexico black bear (subspecies U. A. amblyceps), according to TPWD. "Both are found in West Texas in desert scrub or woodland habitats within scattered mountain ranges, predominantly the Chisos and Guadalupe Mountains. Both subspecies are state-listed as endangered in Texas.

The good news of course is that bears rarely approach people. But that can all change when a bear is hungry or if they associate a place with food.

Texas Parks and Wildlife urges residents not to feed or approach bears. Remain a safe distance away and make loud noises if one approaches.