Biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) have confirmed several sightings of a black bear in Cherokee, Anderson, Panola and Rusk Counties.
Given the recent sightings of black bears in Anderson County, and anecdotal stories about bears in Freestone and Leon Counties, Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist, Keagan Hathorn, would love to hear about it. His contact is 903-512-2139, Keagan. [email protected].
Black bears are native to Texas and part of the state’s natural heritage and ecosystem. They are designated as a threatened species in Texas, so it is illegal to kill, injure, take, possess, capture, or transport a black bear. Please note there are severe penalties for killing a black bear in East Texas. These penalties can include a combination of fines and jail time, including civil restitution penalties exceeding $12,000.
