Wandering black bear returns

RUSK — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has confirmed that the bear spotted last week in the Salem Community near Rusk is the same wandering male seen in 2025. According to wildlife biologist Reuben Gay, the bear is now approaching full maturity and could be on the move again soon. Gay says the young male may roam toward established breeding populations in Louisiana or follow natural corridors along the Neches or Angelina rivers. Either way, residents of Cherokee County are being asked to stay alert and report sightings.

According to our news partner KETK, he’s still in Cherokee County and locals are encouraged to keep watch. Sightings can be reported to the TPWD East Texas Regional Office at 903?566?1626 ext. 209.

What to do if you encounter a bear: Never approach a bear: If a bear regularly visits your deer stand, scare it with rocks, a slingshot or an air horn, if you encounter a bear at close range, talk calmly while backing away slowly. Do not make eye contact, if a bear approaches you, stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, yell at the bear and make eye contact to scare it off, do not run: this can trigger a bear’s chase instinct, if the bear continues to approach, use bear spray according to the manufacturer’s directions to deter it, and do not play dead.