On Monday, a black bear was spotted cooling off by taking a swim in Lake Amistad near Del Rio, Texas. 

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension said the sighting is an indication that the bears are expanding to occupy their former historic range, including the western Hill Country, the Texas Panhandle and the far northeast portions of the state.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, black bears are native to all of Texas, but in the early 1900s, heavy hunting and trapping eliminated almost all of them from the state.

While no one is sure how many bears currently live in Texas, experts agree that wildfires in Mexico, as well as drought conditions in other regions, have likely caused bears to migrate to new areas, including many parts of Texas.

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The conservation efforts in bordering states over the last 20 years have also led to bears crossing back into Texas, especially during the summer mating season, according to TPWD.

While it is against the law to hunt, harass or kill bears in Texas, TPWD says it does not actively manage the bear population.

If you encounter a bear, TPWD offers this advice:

• If a bear regularly visits your deer stand, scare it with rocks, a slingshot or air horn.
• If you encounter a bear at close range, talk in a calm manner while backing away slowly. Do not make direct eye contact
• Do not run. Running can trigger a bear's chase instinct.
• Stand your ground and raise your arms if a bear approaches you, making yourself appear larger. Yell at the bear to scare it off.
• Fight back aggressively with anything available if attacked. Let bears know that you are not an easy prey. Do not play dead.

Bear sightings should be reported to TPWD at 800-792-1112.