Founded in 2005, the TBBA, formerly known as the East Texas Black Bear Task Force, is a non-profit coalition of state, federal, private industry, and private citizens who seek to promote the restoration of black bears in suitable habitats throughout its historic range in Texas through cooperative partnerships using education, research and habitat management.
Texas Parks and Wildlife began documenting black bear sightings and deaths in 1977, and since that time, the number of sightings has increased in certain portions of the state.
The reemergence of this native species is due in large part to the Louisiana black bear's designation and protection as a threatened subspecies under the Federal Endangered Species Act, the reintroduction of American black bears to Arkansas and Louisiana in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the natural recolonization of the species in West Texas from neighboring populations in Mexico and New Mexico. Ultimately, the growing populations in adjacent states and Mexico have resulted in a natural, slow return of the species to Texas in small numbers.
Texas Parks and Wildlife began documenting black bear sightings and deaths in 1977, and since that time, the number of sightings has increased in certain portions of the state.
The reemergence of this native species is due in large part to the Louisiana black bear's designation and protection as a threatened subspecies under the Federal Endangered Species Act, the reintroduction of American black bears to Arkansas and Louisiana in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the natural recolonization of the species in West Texas from neighboring populations in Mexico and New Mexico. Ultimately, the growing populations in adjacent states and Mexico have resulted in a natural, slow return of the species to Texas in small numbers.
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Education is essential to the success of Black Bears in East Texas.
Education and outreach is a major component of the TBBA's mission. One of our primary goals is to facilitate a better understanding of the history, biology, and ecology of the black bear among Texas citizens.
We would love to speak to your group. We offer virtual presentations if meeting in person is not an option. Please use the contact form and we'll get the ball rolling!
Education and outreach is a major component of the TBBA's mission. One of our primary goals is to facilitate a better understanding of the history, biology, and ecology of the black bear among Texas citizens.
We would love to speak to your group. We offer virtual presentations if meeting in person is not an option. Please use the contact form and we'll get the ball rolling!
Meet the Texas Black Bear Alliance Board of Directors
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Ellen Buchanan, Chair
Kati Krouse, Vice-Chair Tim Brys, Secretary Melissa Blair, Board Member Charlotte Henley, Board Member Alicia White, Board Member |
Shannon College, Advisory Member
Adrian Van Dellen, Advisory Member Cynthia Hutney, Advisory Member Benjamin Jones, Advisory Member Donna Work, Advisory |
