A black bear was sighted near Leakey on July 5. The bear was seen and video-taped at a deer feeder on the Hardy Lewis Ranch north of Leakey by hunter, Mary Bone. On Tuesday, just a few days later, a black bear was seen crossing Fm.Rd.1120 about half-way between Leakey and Rio Frio close to Kitty Harrison’s residence. Jackie Middleton of Rio Frio said the bear ran in front of her vehicle, crossed the road and headed to the river.

There was another report on Tuesday of a sighting in the River Tree subdivision. The bear was heading north. Shane Hohman, Game Warden, verified the sightings and is confident it is the same bear “trying to get away from people.”

Hardy Lewis was surprised to learn the bear had traveled so far and confirmed this bear was seen at his ranch. He and Hohman advise everyone to leave the bear alone, and do not try to get close. Bears are protected, but if it seems to be aggressive or harming livestock call the Game Warden for assistance.  If you have any questions or want more information, call Shane Hohman at 830- 486-6372.

Hohman said it is not unusual for a bear to cover a large territory. Lewis did some research and warns everyone that bears are considered endangered species. “Don’t go hunting this bear,” he said. “If you shoot it, you had better be able to prove that you were in danger."

Check out the video below!

Here is the link to the original article written in The Leakey Star:
http://www.theleakeystar.com/_back_issues/13_july_2007/_sub_categories/sportsman_news/main.htm