PBS Show - Bears Bounce Back & More

Episode 2, Season 40 of Texas Parks & Wildlife, a weekly PBS series about the great outdoors. Black bears, once common across Texas, were extirpated by the 1950s. Today, the species is experiencing a comeback in western regions of the state. Take a deep dive into Longhorn Cavern and explore a place rich in both interesting history and fascinating geology. Efforts are underway to protect, conserve, and restore the Sabal Palm forests of South Texas.

Return of the Black Bear - 1:20
Black bears, once common across Texas, were extirpated by the 1950s. Today, the species is experiencing a comeback in western regions of the state. In hopes of better understanding bear populations, the Borderlands Research Institute is leading a multiyear study to collect information important for the proper management of the species. In Sanderson, a landowner learns to live with bears.

The Pier: Goose Island State Park - 11:25
One of the more popular attractions at Goose Island State Park is the 1,620-foot-long fishing pier anchoring the park’s bayfront. Spend some time over the water, feeling the Gulf breezes, and seeing what takes the bait.

Southmost Preserve: A Treasure at the Tip of Texas - 14:58
The southern tip of Texas was once home to a vast forest of Sabal Palms, nurtured by rich South Texas soil. But over time, those forests have been almost completely cleared for agriculture. Now, efforts are underway that will protect, conserve, and restore this natural heritage.

Longhorn Cavern State Park - 19:31
Longhorn Cavern is a hidden gem ready to be explored. This unique river-formed cave has been home to an underground restaurant, a concert hall, and a fallout shelter. Follow along on a tour to experience the magnificent geology and to hear some tales about the history of this legendary Hill Country cavern.

Mill Creek: Postcard From Texas - 24:34
Spend some time reflecting by the water at Mill Creek Ranch in Ellis County, just west of Italy, Texas.

Chapters:
Intro - 00:00
Black Bears Return - 1:20
Goose Island State Park - 11:25
Southmost Preserve - 14:58
Longhorn Cavern State Park - 19:31
Mill Creek - 24:34

Stories from this episode:

Episode 2, Season 40, Program 3302
Air Dates: October 13-19, 2024 & April 13-19, 2025

#texasoutdoors #outdooradventure #outdoors #texas #nature #documentary #fullepisode #texasstateparks #stateparks #statepark

[IndyRommelCo]

Absolutely beautiful!!!!
❤❤❤❤❤ I grew up in the Valley & love great birdwatching, plants, animals !!! (People are great too !!!☺️)

[Unbridled]

I live 10 minutes from Sabal Palm Sanctuary 🌴 . It's beautiful. We get lots of interesting birds in our neighborhood. Thankful for the conservation in the area.

[jamesgranderson]

It’s my understanding that bears are making a comeback in east Texas, also.😎👍🏽

[HorsesStudent]

Texas has plenty of cattle to forage, should be a great deal for bears. Gonna suck for our beef producers tho Saw where they are reintroducing grizzly and wolf up in colorado and montana too. Are they now or expected to be in the hill country any time soon? I tried watching the vid. its a bit touchy feely

[RobinLynnGriffith]

New sub here I can't believe I hadn't found you yet

[JLC]

Too bad the earth is only 6, 000+ years old.

[fluxfaze]

I wasn’t aware bears had returned to the Trans-Pecos. It’s always heartening to see nature bounce back from human abuse, and has convinced me to forget notions of buying property to live there. Best to leave it as unpopulated as possible.

[highpoweredsupernova]

I enjoy bears too but unless the bears help generously with the hog population, we really don’t need them here. They will slowly be hunted away, again.