You Heard There Were Bears in Texas? You're Not Ursine My Leg!
Yep, that's right. Texas: land of Stetsons, sizzling steaks, and... bears? Hold your horses (or should we say long horns?) because while Texas might conjure images of tumbleweeds and ten-gallon hats, there's actually a stealthy population of black bears making a comeback in the Lone Star State.
So, How Many Behemoths Are There, Exactly?
Now, this is where things get a little fuzzy. Pinning down an exact number of these furry friends is like trying to lasso a greased watermelon. Estimates range from a cozy 75 to a whopping 250. Researchers are still figuring out just how many bears are ambling around the West Texas mountains, making it a bit of a mystery (perfect for a good ol' Texas tall tale, perhaps?).
Here's the thing: Texas's black bear population wasn't always there. They were pushed out in the 1950s, but like a determined country singer chasing their Nashville dreams, they started moseying back in the 1990s. Big Bend National Park seems to be ground zero for this ursine uprising, with estimates suggesting a bear brigade of around 30-40.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Everything's Bigger in Texas, Right?)
While the exact number might be a bit elusive, one thing's for sure: these bears are slowly but surely reclaiming their Texan territory. Researchers are even catching and collaring some of these furry fellas (though we can only imagine the bears grumbling about the whole "fashion statement" thing). One researcher even suggested there could be twice as many bears outside of Big Bend National Park than inside!
So, the next time you're two-stepping through Texas, keep your eyes peeled (and maybe pack some bear spray, just in case). You might just come face-to-face with a Texan black bear, making your trip one you'll never forget (and definitely brag about back home).
