Bears Are Back And Closer Than You Think In Oklahoma

Now that camera footage has officially settled the debate about mountain lions in Oklahoma, people's attention are turning towards the black bear population in the state. According to experts, there have been three specific black bear sightings in southern Oklahoma and nothern Texas.

Recently, black bear populations have actually been increasing, especially in the eastern part of the state, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).

Since there have been so many sightings this year, it's worth considering how you should react if ever you run into a black bear in Oklahoma. They might usually not be a threat to humans, but it's always better to be prepared for the worst.

Oklahoma's black bear population has been growing & expanding.

Meteorologist Chris Nunley shared news about recent black bear sightings in a few places near the red river since May this year. On May 18, a bear was spotted near Antlers, Oklahoma. Another was spotted at a gas station just over the red river in Savoy, Texas.

This isn't the firs time people have witnessed black bears around Oklahoma. In fact, in 2023, the Department of Wildlife warned that black bear popoulations were expanding throughout the eastern part of the state.

Last year in 2024, a black bear was spotted near Grove, Oklahoma coming out from hibernation and making himself at home in someone's backyard.

These sightings have been incredibly close to people, but luckily none have been harmful or fatal to humans. It's safe to say that they aren't likely to attack someone they may encounter, but they still are predators. If you do happen to encounter a black bear during your travels to the southeastern part of Oklahoma, consider how you should respond.

How to respond safely to encountering a black bear in Oklahoma.

It's true, you could find yourself near a black bear in a variety of ways here. But for the most part, the key points you should try to remember most in any scenario is to:

• Stay calm.
• Don't run.
• When moving away from the bear, stay facing it. Back away or remove yourself quietly if the bear hasn't noticed you.

@okwildlifedept it’s hard to believe young wildlife would be abandoned.. because it’s most likely not. Black bears will often “tree” their cubs when a threat is in the area. If you see a cub or other young wild animals alone, LEAVE IT BE. #greenscreen #trend #bears #outdoors #conservation #funny #animals #nature #oklahoma #wildlife ♬ original sound - Little fox

• If the bear has noticed you and is trying to get aggressive, make yourself bigger and make lots of noise, but stand your ground rather than moving towards the bear.

For more in-depth notes and scenarios, click here.