The Mexican grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, was once a formidable symbol of North American wilderness, ranging from the southern United States to Mexico.
A subspecies of the iconic North American grizzly bear, the Mexican grizzly was a majestic creature that played a vital role in the ecosystems it inhabited. Sadly, the story of the Mexican grizzly is one of decline and eventual extinction. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Mexican grizzly bear, highlighting its last known populations in Texas, Mexico, New Mexico, and Colorado.
Historical Range
The Mexican grizzly bear was once found in a vast range, spanning from the southwestern United States down into Mexico. This subspecies inhabited a diverse range of ecosystems, from deserts and grasslands to mountainous regions. In the United States, its range extended into Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
Last Known Grizzlies in Texas
The Mexican grizzly bear was once a resident of Texas, but its numbers dwindled rapidly in the 19th century due to habitat loss and overhunting. By the early 1900s, the Mexican grizzly had been extirpated from the state, marking the end of its presence in Texas. The last known grizzly in Texas was shot in 1890 near Guadalupe Peak in the Guadalupe Mountains.
Mexico’s Last Grizzly Bears
Mexico was home to a significant population of Mexican grizzlies, but like their northern counterparts, these bears faced relentless pressure from habitat destruction and hunting. By the mid-20th century, the Mexican grizzly population had dwindled to near extinction levels. In the early 1960s, the Mexican government made a last-ditch effort to save the subspecies by launching a campaign to protect them. Sadly, this came too late, as the last confirmed Mexican grizzly bear was killed in 1964 in the state of Chihuahua. Despite this, there have been unconfirmed reports of sightings in remote areas, giving a glimmer of hope that some individuals may still exist in Mexico.
New Mexico’s Lost Grizzlies
New Mexico, with its diverse landscapes, was once part of the Mexican grizzly’s range. These bears inhabited the state’s mountains, plateaus, and forests. However, by the late 19th century, the Mexican grizzly had been eradicated from New Mexico. The last confirmed sighting in the state occurred in 1922 when a hunter shot a Mexican grizzly in the Gila Wilderness. Conservationists and researchers have since made efforts to reintroduce grizzly bears to the state, but these efforts have focused on other subspecies.
Colorado’s Extinct Grizzlies
Colorado, with its rugged Rocky Mountains and pristine wilderness, was once home to the Mexican grizzly bear. These bears roamed the high-altitude regions, feasting on a variety of natural foods such as berries and elk. However, by the late 19th century, the Mexican grizzly had vanished from Colorado. The last confirmed sighting of a Mexican grizzly in Colorado was in 1952 when a hunter shot one near Pagosa Springs.
The Causes of Extinction
The decline and eventual extinction of the Mexican grizzly bear can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, habitat destruction played a significant role. As settlers moved westward, they transformed the wilderness into farmland, towns, and cities, drastically reducing the bear’s natural habitat. Additionally, unregulated hunting for sport and killing to protect livestock further decimated the population.
Bounties were offered for their eradication. Combined with these pressures, the bear’s slow reproductive rate made it particularly vulnerable to population declines.
I’ve always been interested in this creature’s story and think it’s good to reflect on wildlife management mistakes of the past so we don’t make them in the future.
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Chester Moore
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