The Animals of Big Bend National Park
The Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
once thrived in the Chisos Mountains of BBNP. Due to shooting, trapping, hunters,
and settlement the Black Bear practically vanished by the time the park came to be in
1944. Most species of animals (particularly large animals) do not return to a
habitat once destroyed. Human intervention is usually a necessary requirement to
recreate such a habitat. Amazingly enough, the Black Bear made its comeback to the
Chisos Mountains without such intervention. There is now believed to be as many as
18 to 22 adult bears now living in the National Park. They live on acorns, madrone
berries, pine nuts, prickly pear fruit, sotol, and yucca. The Black Bears mate
during the summer, leaving female bears pregnant until sometime in February. Female
bears can mate until they are twenty five years old. However, the average American
Black Bear does not live past ten years old. The bear cubs will purr when fed and
cry when they are hungry or cold. At birth the cubs will weigh approximately one
pound, females average 155 pounds, while males usually weigh in around 285 pounds with a
height of four to six feet tall. Please remember never to leave food, trash, or any
scented items lying around or in your vehicle. If you see a bear remain calm, don't
approach, and if it approaches you, be sure to scare it away by shouting and throwing
stones.
Another predator to be careful of, is the
mountain lion (Felis concolor). The mountain lion is also referred to as
the cougar or puma. This animal, as with all others is necessary for the delicate
balance of the Big Bends ecosystem. The puma's body can reach lengths of 6.4
feet. It has a relatively small head with a distinctive black mark above each eye
and has a ringed tail. It dines throughout the Big Bend on deer, javelina, and
other small mammals. They help keep the balance between herbivores and vegetation in
the area. Do be mindful of this cat, it can become aggressive and attack
humans. There have been three attacks on park visitors since the 80's. Any of
these beautiful animals that become aggressive with an attack against humans, requires the
park to exterminate the life of the animal. Please help keep these animals along
with the delicate ecosystem of the Big Bend by knowing what to do in the event of an
encounter. Letting the animal know that you are large and that you are a threat to
it. This can be done by shouting, waving your arms around, and by throwing sticks
and stones. Be mindful of small children. Don't let them wander away from you
and be sure to pick them up. This will make you appear larger and more of a threat
to the puma.