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Bears Prompting Closure Of Big Bend's Chisos Basin Campground

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By Compiled From N... - August 11th, 2022

Hungry bears are forcing the temporary closure of the Chisos Basin Campground at Big Bend National Park/NPS

Frequent bear activity at Big Bend National Park in Texas is prompting closure at noon Friday of the Chisos Basin Campground and Chisos Basin Group Campground until further notice.

Over the course of the last two weeks, black bears have moved from the Window Trail into the campground itself, feeding on mesquite beans, a natural food source, a park release said. Due to the abundance of mesquite beans in the campground, the bears have become territorial and shown signs of aggression. To keep these bears wild and safe, limiting human food sources and bear-human interactions is paramount.  As such, the campground will be closed until the bears move on to other natural food sources.    

“National park biologists continue to monitor the bear activity and we will re-open the campground as soon as it declines to normal levels in this area," said Superintendent Bob Krumenaker. "While we regret the inconvenience, protecting both the bears and park visitors is essential. Right now, the bears are hungry and a bit testy and we're going to give them the space they need to be wild bears.”   

Entering this closed area, even on foot, is a violation of Chapter 36, section 1.5 of the Code of Federal Regulations.  

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