In response to concerns about the rising bear activity in Big Bend National Park in Texas, U.S. National Park Service (NPS) biologists are keeping the Window Trail in the Chisos Mountains closed for the protection of hikers, residents and pets. 

“National Park biologists are monitoring the bear activity, and we will open the trail as soon as the bear activity in this area declines to normal levels," Big Bend Superintendent Bob Krumenaker said in a Park Service July 17 news release. "Our goal is to protect both the bears and park visitors. It’s their home – we’re the guests.”

There is no doubt that the existence of Mexican black bears in Big Bend National Park is a win for wildlife. Bear sightings were quite uncommon when Congress established the park in 1944. 

A large number of visitors began reporting black bear sightings in the Chisos Mountains in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Re-established in Big Bend through migrations from Mexico over the years, the bear population is now considered stable without the need for human intervention, a seldom-seen feat.

For their own safety, dogs and pets are not allowed on the 5.5 mile trailhead called Chisos Basin Trailhead. The trail winds down through the Oak Creek Canyon to the Window pour-off, which provides breathtaking views, the NPS said. The area is frequented by bears, and officials fear that pets will aggravate them and cause them to be aggressive toward both pets and hikers.