BLACK BEAR IN EAST TEXAS: Black bear are making a 
comeback in East Texas ... details ahead on Passport to 
Texas ... 
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Passport to Texas from TPWD and the SFWR Program

The Louisiana black bear used to thrive in East Texas, but 
in 1992 the animal was federally listed as threatened 
under the Endangered Species Act. Habitat loss is thought 
to have caused its decline. Yet, in recent years, we have 
seen a slow increase in their numbers.

Primarily bears are coming in from Oklahoma, Arkansas and 
Louisiana - our border states. The populations in those states 
are growing and expanding and we're starting to see the first 
bears show up; we have been seeing this for several years now. 
:14

Nathan Garner is wildlife director for region three in 
Tyler. 

What you normally see with a range expansion into new 
territory are the sub-adult males first. The sub adult males, 
when they leave their mother, they usually go on these long 
foray trips, searching out new territory to where they can 
establish their own home range. :15

The success of the black bear expansion into East Texas 
will depend on when females enter the mix.

When we'll get the females to show up is a big question. 
Because daughters of mothers usually stay close to their 
mother's home range and they don't move very far. So, we're 
getting the males coming in now; it's just a matter of time 
before the females show up. :12

Tomorrow: The East Texas Black Bear Conservation Plan.

That's our show ... made possible by the Sport Fish and 
Wildlife Restoration Program ... working to increase 
fishing, hunting, shooting and boating opportunities in 
Texas. For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti. 


Total sound bite time:		0:41.0
 Maximum Script time:		0:45.0 Suggested show time: 86.0 = 1:26