The Marathon Public Library will host the final installment of its 2025–2026 Knowledge Night series next week with a presentation focused on the return of black bears to the Big Bend region.
Wildlife artist Chris Ruggia will present “American Black Bears: New Neighbors in the Big Bend,” a program that blends scientific research with visual storytelling. The presentation draws on research from the Borderlands Research Institute and features Ruggia’s original wildlife illustrations.
The event will explore how American black bears have returned to parts of West Texas after being largely absent from the region for decades. Through both scientific information and artwork, Ruggia will offer insight into the animals’ behavior, habitat use and the growing presence of the species in the Big Bend area.
Library officials say the program is designed to help community members better understand the wildlife increasingly sharing the region’s landscapes.
The Knowledge Night series at Marathon Public Library brings speakers and educators to the community to discuss topics related to science, culture and the natural environment of the Big Bend.
The upcoming event marks the final program in the library’s current series.
