Here S What You Should Know About Black Bears In Missouri

Summer 2020 has certainly been anything but boring. Just weeks ago, in fact, we were all introduced to Bruno, a black bear who is said to have traveled to Missouri from Wisconsin. Bruno became a social media hit overnight with people following his journey throughout Missouri, which ended in St. Louis. Bruno is just one of many black bears in Missouri. He’s been captured and moved to a safe location, where the public can’t interfere with his movements.

Here’s what you need to know about black bears in Missouri.

The black bear population in Missouri has significantly increased over the last five decades, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), with an annual growth increase of nine percent.

Flickr/Bess Sadler

As of early August 2020, approximately 250 black bear sightings have been reported to the MDC. You can take precautions to avoid attracting black bears to your yard and to protect yourself if you happen to come face-to-face with a black bear.

Flickr/Moiggi Interactive

Never feed black bears. That leads to a vicious cycle. The bears then seek out people for food and become comfortable going into areas with large populations. They can become aggressive, which leads to them ultimately having to be captured and euthanized.

Flickr/Dan Dixon Remember the MDC’s saying, “A fed bear is a dead bear.”

You may inadvertently attract bears to your yard, if you leave pet food, food for other animals, or other food outside. Only give your pets enough food, for example, for one meal, so food isn’t left over in the bowl.

Flickr/Andrew

Purchase and use bear-proof containers for your garbage, and always clean your grills after use.

Flickr/Dan Ox

Those are all fairly straightforward steps, but you should still be aware of what to do if you cross paths with a black bear. Make sure the black bear has a way to get away from you, and…

Flickr/Jerome Briot

Walk slowly away from the bear, with your arms up, and stay facing the bear. Never run away from or turn your back on a bear.

Flickr/Jim Mallhaupt

If you see a bear from a distance, stay away from him. Do not approach black bears. Making noise can help chase them away.

Flickr/Lee Coursey

The MDC asks that all residents report black bear sightings. You can also learn more about black bears and how to stay safe from the official website of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Flickr/RikkisRefuge Other

Have you seen any black bears in Missouri? If so, have you seen more than you normally do? Let us know in the comments! Then if you like to go stargazing, you might want to check into River of Life Farm, which boasts some of the clearest skies for stargazing in Missouri.

Flickr/Bess Sadler

Flickr/Moiggi Interactive

Flickr/Dan Dixon

Remember the MDC’s saying, “A fed bear is a dead bear.”