BRI Black Bear Border Movement Study — Trans-Pecos connectivity
Key Questions
What is the BRI Black Bear Border Movement Study about?
The study, led by PhD student Caitlin Camp Pappas, involves GPS-tracking 43 black bears in Val Verde, Presidio, Brewster, and Terrell counties during its second season. It focuses on Trans-Pecos connectivity, with 10 bears crossing the Mexico border without barriers.
Why are there protests against the border wall in Big Bend?
Thousands rallied at the Texas Capitol, organized by the bipartisan No Big Bend Wall Coalition, opposing the wall through Big Bend National Park and Ranch State Park in Brewster County. Protests highlight threats to bears, bighorn sheep, ecosystems, and rock art.
What policy developments are related to habitat connectivity?
The WCPP Reauthorization allocates $500M-$1B through 2031, alongside Senate Habitat Connectivity policy, CBP map changes, and TPWD easements, all addressing connectivity threats reinforced by the bear study and protests.
Why have field operations been paused?
Field ops are paused due to fire, heat, and burn bans in West Texas. Resumption is being monitored amid severe weather forecasts for the weekend.
What recent events involve opposition to the border wall?
A bipartisan rally at the Texas Capitol featured speakers like former Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, with the crowd chanting 'No damn wall' against construction at Big Bend National Park.
PhD student Caitlin Camp Pappas' second-season collaring: 43 GPS-tracked black bears in Val Verde/Presidio/Brewster/Terrell counties; 10 crossed Mexico border without barriers. Escalating protests: thousands at Texas Capitol rally by bipartisan No Big Bend Wall Coalition against wall thru Big Bend NP/Ranch SP (Brewster Co.), citing bears/bighorn sheep/ecosystems/rock art; reinforces connectivity threats amid WCPP Reauthorization ($500M-$1B thru 2031) + Senate Habitat Connectivity policy/CBP map flips/TPWD easements. Field ops paused by fire/heat/burn bans; West TX severe weather weekend monitored for resumption/disruption.